Tag Archives: #bookreview

Book Review: Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis

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Pub Date Feb 18 2025 by Lake Union Publishing

Every Precious and Fragile Thing begins with Mallory Ward a social worker who loses a client due to a tragic death. The reader experiences heartache and shock right along with her and reader discovers this isn’t the only time she has been faced with lose of life in more ways than one. Not only that, Mallory and her mother Helen’s relationship is tattered and Mallory holds on to resentment beginning from her childhood into adulthood. She refuses to see that she is spiraling and her boss (who is also a friend) forces her to take the summer off work to deal with her unresolved issues and healing. With no where else to go, Mallory returns to childhood home on the Rhode Island coast and she is immediately is confronted with her fragile relationship with her mother and an unexpected person from her past that drove her away long ago.

Helen Ward has devoted decades of her life caring for the terminally ill and helping people prepare for their last moments on this earth. Her home is filled with keepsakes from her clients and she has always put her clients and work first leaving her daughter to feeling neglected and unloved. Unexpectedly Mallory appears and Helene has a chance to mend their relationship.

This story is told in multiple point of views with dual timelines that reveals secrets, horrible assumptions, loss, and heartache that threatens the healing of two families. Will they be able to forgive each other and come together to heal what is broken before it is too late?  

I felt every thread of the character’s emotion at the very core of my being. There were moments in the story that my vision was blinded by tears and as I write this now, I’m tearing up.

There are layers of themes in this story and one in particular is a something that has been on my mind for a long time: mortality. Over the years I’ve been studying many time periods in our world’s history and how approaching death or how one’s last moments in this life varies over time. Our relationship with death and how we approach those last moments shapes the very fabric of civilizations. This story put me front and center of this theme was superbly weaved though it’s pages.

I can not praise this story enough and find myself still playing the scenes in my mind that impacted me so. You know a story is worthy and unforgettable when it has moved you so much, you hold the characters in your heart.

Stephanie

I’ve rated this book five stars even though I would rate higher if I could.

My thanks to the publishers for an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

Reader’s Log 031: Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright

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Book Spotlight

Excited to receive an ARC of this book!

Pub Date Aug 12 2025 by Tyndale House Publishers

Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance

Description:

Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman’s perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called “intelligent and arresting” (Foreword Reviews) and “historical fiction as it is meant to be told” (Library Journal).

I walked until I could go no farther, until open water was all I could see.

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

Book Review: The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen

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Expected publication January 14, 2025, by G.P. Putnam’s Sons

The Last Room on the Left is a darkly woven philological thriller that takes place in the mountains of the Catskills in New York during the winter and presents the reader with an immensely isolated, and claustrophobic setting.

The story is told in Kerry’s, Siobhan’s, and Allison’s point of view. Kerry- whose husband has left her because of her drinking problems and Kerry needing to finish writing a book due to a deadline- takes a job as caretaker at a motel. When she arrives, almost immediately, bizarre and creepy things start to happen. Not only that, she also discovers a dead and frozen body in the snow, and the mystery of who the victim is and what happened, begins to take shape, and unfold in the most astonishing way.

The reader quickly begins to doubt Kerry’s perspective due to alcohol and pills in the mix. As the story further escalates, all three of the women end up heavily drinking while emotions are running high. This highly charged element makes an interesting mix of dysfunction and drama among them to say the least.

The whole “feminist take on The Shining” by Stephen King mention as a “praiseworthy” comparison in the description of this book is quite a stretch. I did not see any sense of true feminism in this story whatsoever. If anything, there are few thoughts on two of the white males from two of the female’s perspective that are straight up assumptions at best. Not sure what Konen was trying to achieve with this. As for the comparison to “The Shining”, it isn’t in the least bit like it. There are literally zero supernatural elements, nor are the characters going totally mental in this story. Harsh, I know, but it is too glaring for me not to point out.

Despite my criticisms, Konen is a great storyteller, and I enjoyed this fast pace physiological thriller. There are a lot of twists and turns that leave the reader guessing as to what is really going on and there is suspense in all the right places. Everyone is a suspect and Konen did a terrific job in portraying that. An atmospheric, chilling and a perfect read to hunker down with during the winter season. 

I’ve rated this book 3 stars.

Stephanie

I obtained an ARC from the Publishers for an honest review. 

Side bar: In the beginning of November of last year, I blogged about differentiating between red herrings and explicit content for shock value or book sales in mystery-thrillers. I use this book as an example. You may want to check it out for further information about my thoughts on this book: Link HERE or you can search the title of the post:  Reader’s Log 023: Current Read and Difficult Passages

Book description from goodreads:

The caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel finds herself fighting for her life—and sanity—in this “twisty, addictive, feminist take on The Shining” (Andrea Bartz).

Kerry’s life is in shambles: Her husband has left her, her drinking habit has officially become a problem, and though the deadline for her big book deal—the one that was supposed to change everything—is looming, she can’t write a word. When she sees an ad for a caretaker position at a revitalized roadside motel in the Catskills, she jumps at the chance. It’s the perfect getaway to finish her book and start fresh.

But as she hunkers down in a blizzard, she spots something through the window: a pale arm peeking out from a heap of snow. Trapped in the mountains and alone with a dead, frozen body, Kerry must keep her head and make it out before the killer comes for her too. But is the deadly game of cat-and-mouse all in her mind? The body count begs to differ . . .

Book Review: Death Comes in Threes by Michael Jecks

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Book 9 of A Bloody Mary Tudor Mystery

Pub Date Jan 07 by Severn House

Princess Elizabeth’s unlikely assassin finds himself on the hook for two murders in this light-hearted Tudor mystery series!

August, 1558. As London is bustling with growing trade from foreign lands, and Queen Mary’s health is once again a hot topic, Jack Blackjack has much to keep him busy. And that’s before his new tenant – a Dutch merchant – disappears under a cloud of suspicion, quickly presumed murdered, and Jack’s latest female companion’s body is found mere streets from her dwelling place.

People around Jack keep inconveniently getting murdered, and he seems to be the most likely culprit! With both the authorities and the unsavoury echelons of London on his tail, nowhere is safe for Jack to hide. He must go about proving his innocence – and uncovering the mirky truth – while ensuring he doesn’t find himself dancing the Tyburn jig!

The question is – can he rely on friends in high – and very low – places to get him out of this ever-increasing mess?

My thoughts:

I must caution you, stepping outside the door of your home and taking a stroll down the streets in 1558 London, may be at your peril. At least it is for Jack! How he manages to survive through the whole story is anyone’s guess. I would like to step inside the book and shake some sense into Jack.  Whichever way he seems to turn, he gets himself in a tight spot and also, he seems to have a knack at putting other lives in jeopardy. 

I enjoyed reading Jack’s adventures and his troubles he finds himself in is hilariously comical, and it is highly entertaining how others perceive the kind of man they believe Jack to be and when we read what Jack is thinking in the moment, it’s not like how others perceive him or is it? More times than not, the reader must discern if this was an actual character flaw in Jack or some clever ruse.

Jack is questioned or interrogated so many times, I don’t know how he keeps a clear mind with all his excuses. I couldn’t stop chuckling. My goodness! He says anything to just stay alive which is understandable in his situation.  

What a fun historical mystery!

I’ve rated this book four stars. Now I must read the other books in the series before this one. Stephanie Hopkins

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review: Remember Me by Lesley Pearse

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Pub Date Mar 18 2021 by Agora Books

In the eighteenth-century England a fisherman’s daughter from Cornwall called Mary Broad was arrested for theft and was sentenced to be hung. Her sentence was commuted, and she was transported to Australia, where she and others on the ship were among the first convicts to arrive there. As the story continues, Mary is determined to escape the cruel and dire existence of the colony. Was she successful in her escape?

Based on a true story, Mary’s courage, endurance and grit to withstand the utter cruelty and inhumane conditions of her plight leaves the reader awe struck.

The author weaves an evocative and strong narrative, and the reader becomes acutely aware of the deplorable conditions endured in the ships holding as they make their way to the colony. Heart-wrenching and vivid, this story will stay with you for a very long time.

Stephanie Hopkins

I rated this book five stars.

I obtained a copy of this book from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review: The Perfect Ex-Wife by Winter K. Willis

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A Psychological Thriller

Pub Date Dec 02, 2024, by Celestial Bear Publishing

Ramona plays second fiddle to Bradley’s ex-wife, Natasha, who went missing twelve years ago. No matter how hard Ramona tries to be the perfect wife and mother to Bradley and his teenage daughter, Allison, they can’t let go of the past. No matter how hard she tries to be a good mother to Allison, she always says or does the wrong thing, and Allison pushes her further away.

The day two police officers show up at their home to tell them they discovered remains of a woman believed to be Bradley’s Ex-Wife Natasha, they bring in Bradley for questioning and from there everything spirals out of control. Family secrets and betrayal reveal themselves in astonishing ways.  

The Perfect Ex-Wife is told from Natasha and Ramona’s points of view, and it certainly is a page turner from the start. This story touches on a few themes such as alcoholism, depression, adultery, obsession, erratic behavior, neglect, self-serving behavior and devastating consequences for one’s actions. I have to say obsession and desperation drives the plot of this story and the author brilliantly portrays these actions.

What fascinates me about psychological thrillers is exploration of what is reality or what is perceived to be reality in the minds of the characters. Perception is tricky when it comes to the human mind and how we see and experience the world around us and how we perceive other people’s speech, actions and motives. Our perception could easily be distorted, which may lead to serious and devastating consequences for oneself and others when acted upon. I thought a lot about this while reading this story which leads to the unreliable narrator. The characters’ credibility in the story becomes compromised by the ill choices they make due to their perception of reality and their own selfish wants. We see this abundantly with the characters in this story and it leaves you guessing what is true and what is false. The lines quickly blur as the story progresses and before you know it, things take a drastic turn to events.

What a thrilling and suspenseful story.

Stephanie

I obtained a galley copy from Celestial Bear Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.

Reader’s Log 024: Trilogies Part I

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Thomas De Quincey Trilogy by David Morrell

Quite a few years ago now, I had the pleasure to interview and review about David Morrell’s Thomas De Quincey Trilogy. A few weeks ago, I was looking through my book stacks and came across paperback copies of his trilogy. I thought this would be a great story to read again and how it would be a great idea to re-post about his books and the interview I had with him, back in 2013. Gosh, has it really been that long ago since I interviewed David? Time flies! Morell’s Thomas De Quincey Trilogy is a fantastic read and perfect for the fall season to curl up with. By the way, did you know that Morrell is best known for his debut 1972 novel First Blood, which would later become a successful film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone?

Stephanie

Murder as a Fine Art #1

Gaslit London is brought to its knees in David Morrell’s brilliant historical thriller.

Thomas De Quincey, infamous for his memoir ‘Confessions of an English Opium-Eater’, is the major suspect in a series of ferocious mass murders identical to ones that terrorized London forty-three years earlier.

The blueprint for the killings seems to be De Quincey’s essay “On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts.” Desperate to clear his name but crippled by opium addiction, De Quincey is aided by his devoted daughter Emily and a pair of determined Scotland Yard detectives.

In ‘Murder as a Fine Art’, David Morrell plucks De Quincey, Victorian London, and the Ratcliffe Highway murders from history. Fogbound streets become a battleground between a literary star and a brilliant murderer, whose lives are linked by secrets long buried but never forgotten.

My interview with David Morell and review for Murder as a Fine Art

Inspector of the Dead #2

The year is 1855. The Crimean War is raging. The incompetence of British commanders causes the fall of the English government. The Empire teeters. Amid this crisis comes opium-eater Thomas De Quincey, one of the most notorious and brilliant personalities of Victorian England. Along with his irrepressible daughter, Emily, and their Scotland Yard companions, Ryan and Becker, De Quincey finds himself confronted by an adversary who threatens the heart of the nation.

This killer targets members of the upper echelons of British society, leaving with each corpse the name of someone who previously attempted to kill Queen Victoria. The evidence indicates that the ultimate victim will be Victoria herself.

My book review of “Inspector of the Dead”

Ruler of the Night #3

Thomas De Quincey is beginning to control his opium addiction when the excitement of his current case threatens to unravel his grip on reality once and for all. On their way home to the Lake District, the De Quinceys become unwitting witnesses to a truly historic murder: the first to take place on one of England’s newly constructed railways.

The railways changed everything in the Victorian era, transforming the English countryside, revolutionizing modern industry, and as the De Quinceys discover, providing the perfect escape. Giving chase in a cat-and-mouse game unlike any that have come before, the De Quinceys uncover a dangerous secret that reaches all levels of English society.

My book review of “Ruler of the Night”

David Morell’s website

Book Review: Heart of the Frontier

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by Brittany Larsen, Jen Geigle Johnson, Jennie Hansen & Carolyn Twede Frank

Heart of the Frontier is a collection of western novellas written by four authors. Each story is about people or families from different places.

There are a few stories that would make a great full-length novel. Particularly, “The Gamble”, the first book in the collection was one I really wanted the story expanded on. The story has a great premise and plot. All of the stories in the book is wonderful and enjoyable to read. I truly didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did.

I appreciate the authors clean romance approach and their focus to the struggles of western frontier life.

I don’t typical read in the western romance genre but the book cover caught my eye, which lead me to find out about the stories. I’m delighted I chose this book and will be adding a physical copy to my book stack.

Below are brief descriptions of the stories.

Stephanie

Description

The Gamble

Brittany Larsen

British aristocrat Thomas Clayborne anticipated a grand adventure in America—but what he imagined is a far cry from the rough-and-tumble reality. When his journey West brings a bold young woman into his life, will he risk everything for true love?

Her Frontier Bandit

Jen Geigle Johnson

When Rebecca and her physician father relocate to a frontier town in desperate need of a doctor, Rebecca believes it will be an opportunity to mend her recently broken heart. But she quickly realizes that no matter how far she runs, true love always finds a way.

Sagebrush Sally

Jennie Hansen

English rose Sally is finding it difficult to bloom in the rugged wasteland of the West. But with two handsome cowboys vying for her affections, it seems that even amid cattle thieves and gunfights, the truest danger lies in losing her heart.

Celebration for Celia

Carolyn Twede Frank

Though Celia generally adores Fourth of July festivities, she finds herself weighed down by uncertainties that dim her anticipation of the holiday. Then fate brings into her life a dashing stranger who is determined to give Celia a celebration she’ll never forget.

Pub Date Jul 01 2021 by Covenant Communications

I obtained a reviewer copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

This book is from my backlog list of books to read and review through NetGalley.

Book Review: The Coldest Case by Tessa Wegert

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Pub Date Nov 05 2024

Publishers: Severn House

There is so much to unpack with this story and while I can’t cover everything in this review, I’m just going to share a bit of an overview of some of my thoughts while reading the story.

Book Description:

News of a missing Instagram celebrity brings Senior Investigator Shana Merchant to a frozen island community of just eight people. When the visit turns deadly, her hunt for a killer collides with a cold case she’ll never forget . . .

It’s February in the Thousand Islands and, cut off from civilization by endless ice, eight people are overwintering on tiny, remote Running Pine. Six year-rounders, used to the hard work, isolation and freezing temperatures . . . and two newcomers: social-media stars Cary and Sylvie, whose account documenting their year on the island is garnering thousands of followers, and thousands of dollars’ worth of luxury gifts.

The long-term islanders will tell you Running Pine can be perilous – especially for city slickers who’ll do anything to get the perfect shot. So, when Cary doesn’t return from ice fishing one morning, his neighbors fear the worst.

With the clock ticking to find the missing influencer, a police team are dispatched to take the dangerous journey to the island . . . but Sylvie, his frantic partner, will only talk to one person: newlywed Senior Investigator Shana Merchant.

Where is Cary – and what is it that Sylvie’s not sharing? With aspects of the case reminding Shana of an unsolved homicide from her past that haunts her still, she risks her own safety to help. But little does she know that a storm is coming – and if she doesn’t solve both crimes soon, she may become the island’s next victim . . .

My Thoughts:

Imagine investigating a deadly crime on a secluded island during the harsh winter where a small group of people overwintering are tight knit and deeply rooted in the Islands history. Imagine trying to break a wall of ice-no pun intended- in solving a murder under those conditions. No one can be trusted, no one is safe, everyone is keeping secrets and it is cold. Bone chilling cold. Yeah, that makes a great story-line.

Author Tessa Wegert does a brilliant job weaving all the senses of seclusion with an apocalyptic feel at times. Blended with psychological elements of the small Island’s community heightens the intensity of how vulnerable everyone is on the Island. This would also be the case for Shana Merchant and her team as they investigate the crime. You experience that with the characters throughout the book-particularly as the situation escalates.  

Merchant’s backstory is an interesting one to say the least and this investigation is another test of her mental capabilities in solving the crime. I say this without reading the other books in the series, that is how well Wegert pens a good backstory.

This crime thriller takes dangerous conditions to a whole different level!

Stephanie Hopkins

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Review: A Cold Tomorrow by Mae Clair

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As Katie Lynch makes her way home, she spots a car on the side of the road that seems to be in trouble. As she approaches the car, she soon recognizes the motorist as Jerome. He appears to be in some sort of trance and says the word “Cold”.  She loans him her jacket and is deeply concerned about him and decides to go get help. Shortly after her decision to get help, an officer shows up identifying himself as Deputy Brown. In so many words, he tells her that he has it under control, and she can be on her way. After she leaves, she can’t get her mind off what happened. The next day she calls Point Pleasant, West Virginia sheriff’s department to speak to her friend Officer Ryan to find out if Jerome is okay. She quickly discovers that there is no Deputy Brown and Jerome was never admitted to the hospital. Officer Ryan, knowing it isn’t likely for Katie to make things up and considering the town’s strange, odd and disturbing occurrences, begins to investigate the disappearance of Jerome which connects them to the mysteries of the town’s lore of the Mothman, UFO sightings around the town and the TNT and lights appearing in the sky.

As the story unfolds further, Katie’s young son’s father shows up in town out of the blue-which is a threat, and it comes apparent that there is more to the story of why he showed up in the first place. Officer Caden, Officer Ryan’s brother, helps his brother and Katie to solve the mystery of Jerome’s disappearance and the town’s troubles.  As they race to solve the mysterious and troubling happenings in their town, while keeping Katie’s son safe, Katie and Ryan form an attachment and become involved.

Another of the many elements of this story is the relationship between Katie and her mother, Doreen. Without giving too much away, their story touches on a troubled past in more ways than one, which leads to a strained relationship and Katie keeping her mom at arm’s length. Is there healing and forgiveness in the mother and daughter relationship? I’m glad the author wrote this in the story and will leave an impression on many readers’ hearts.

This book is the second in a trilogy and I recommend reading the first book in the series before beginning this one. That said, while there are a few details that are unclear to me, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading this story. After I read this book, I was curious if there is such a thing called “The Mothman” lore and what was the TNT. I discovered that such a place and the lore exist! This made, “A Cold Tomorrow” even more intriguing and mysterious.

Readers who enjoy reading about lore, UFOs and small-town events will enjoy this entertaining story.

I rated this book three and a half stars but bumped it up to four stars due to my interest in the lore and TNT.

Stephanie Hopkins

Pub Date Dec 20 2016 by Kensington Books

I obtained a reviewer copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.