BLOG TOUR: I Made It Out of Clay by Beth Kander

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for I Made It Out of Clay by Beth Kander! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Beth Kander for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: I Made It Out of Clay

Author: Beth Kander

Published by: MIRA

Released: December 10, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: In this darkly funny and surprisingly sweet novel, a woman creates a golem in a desperate attempt to pretend her life is a romantic comedy rather than a disaster.

Nothing’s going well for Eve: She’s single, turning forty, stressed at work and anxious about a recent series of increasingly creepy incidents. Most devastatingly, her beloved father died last year, and her family still won’t acknowledge their sorrow.

With her younger sister’s wedding rapidly approaching, Eve is on the verge of panic. She can’t bear to attend the event alone. That’s when she recalls a strange story her Yiddish grandmother once told her, about a protector forged of desperation… and Eve, to her own shock, manages to create a golem.

At first everything seems great. The golem is indeed protective—and also attractive. But when they head out to a rural summer camp for the family wedding, Eve’s lighthearted rom-com fantasy swiftly mudslides into something much darker. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this. I really liked the incorporation of myth from another culture. It sort of reminded me of when Sabrina the Teenage Witch makes a boy out of bread dough, but this story was much more than that.

This story deals with a lot of hard topics that are kind of hidden by the cute/funny cover. Eve is dealing with a lot in her love, stress and grief. Those do take a starring role in this story.

I enjoyed the idea of the golem, he wasn't the star of the show that I thought he was going to be.

This is really the story of Eve and the difficulties that can come with life. It's not the most lighthearted story, but it was a good read.

Beth Kander is a novelist and playwright with tangled roots in the Midwest and Deep South. The granddaughter of immigrants, her writing explores how worlds old and new intertwine―or collide. Her work has been described as “riveting,” “emotional,” “expertly crafted,” and “habit-forming." Expect twists, turns, and secrets, with surprising heart and humor. Beth has too many degrees and drinks too much coffee. Her favorite characters are her dashing husband and their two lovely kids. www.bethkander.com

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for I Made It Out of Clay by Beth Kander! Thank you to MIRA and Beth Kander for letting me be a part of the tour. This is definitely a fun one to add to the TBR.

BLOG TOUR: The Greatest Lie of All by Jillian Cantor

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Greatest Lie of All by Jillian Cantor! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Park Row and Jillian Cantor for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Greatest Lie Of All

Author: Jillian Cantor

Published by: Park Row

Released: December 3, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: A glamorous romance novelist and an aspiring starlet share an unexpected secret in this addictive story about love, ambition and how far we’re willing to go to protect our hearts

Fledgling actress Amelia Grant is at rock bottom when offered the opportunity of a to star in a biopic about the world-renowned romance author Gloria Diamond, who used her own tragic love story as inspiration for her bestselling books. To prepare for the role, she’ll spend a week with Gloria at her secluded Washington estate. It’s a chance to get out of LA, away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, and to make her recently deceased mother proud.

Amelia’s excitement is short-lived, however, once she actually meets Gloria, who is cold, verging on rude and mostly unavailable. If not for Gloria’s frustratingly handsome son Will, the visit might be a complete waste of her time.

But when Amelia stumbles upon a secret from Gloria’s past, she realizes Gloria’s life story is more fiction than fact. And as the movie’s filming date draws nearer, Amelia must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. The premise is the first thing that really got me. I love books about stardom and the movies. This was just a really fun book to get lost in.

I loved the intrigue of it all. What is Gloria Diamond's secret! I enjoyed following Amelia as she's trying to find out what makes this romance author tick.

I think a lot of people would enjoy this one.

Jillian Cantor is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of eleven novels for teens and adults, which have been chosen for LibraryReads, Indie Next and Amazon Best of the Month, and have been translated into thirteen languages. She has a BA in English from Penn State University and an MFA from the University of Arizona. Born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Jillian currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Greatest Lie Of All by Jillian Cantor! Thank you to Park Row and Jillian Cantor for letting me be a part of the tour. This is an easy add for anyone's reading list.

BLOG TOUR: Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Hanover Square Press and Gu Byeong-mo for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Apartment Women

Author: Gu Byeong-mo

Published by: Hanover Square Press

Released: December 3, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: From the New York Times Notable author of The Old Woman with the Knife comes a bracingly original story of family, marriage and the cultural expectations of motherhood, about four women whose lives intersect in dramatic and unexpected ways at a government-run apartment complex outside Seoul When Yojin moves with her husband and daughter into the Dream Future Pilot Communal Apartments, she’s ready for a fresh start. Located on the outskirts of Seoul, the experimental community is a government initiative designed to boost the national birth rate. Like her neighbors, Yojin has agreed to have at least two more children over the next ten years. Yet, from the day she arrives, Yojin feels uneasy about the community spirit thrust upon her. Her concerns grow as communal child care begins and the other parents show their true colors. Apartment Women traces the lives of four women in the apartments, all with different aspirations and beliefs. Will they find a way to live peacefully? Or are the cultural expectations around parenthood stacked against them from the start? A trenchant social novel from an award-winning author, Apartment Women incisively illuminates the unspoken imbalance of women’s parenting labor, challenging the age-old assumption that “it takes a village” to raise a child. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I was interested in the story and learning about the characters. It was a slower paced story focused on a family, and people.

This is translated fiction. I'm always open and on the lookout to trying more translated fiction.

I could see a lot of people enjoying this one.

Gu Byeong-mo an award-winning author. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she now resides in Jinju, South Korea, with her family. The Old Woman with the Knife is her first book to be translated into English.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo! Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Gu Byeong-mo for letting me be a part of the tour. You should definitely give this one a read.

BLOG TOUR: You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Hanover Square Press and Emma Cook for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: You Can't Hurt Me

Author: Emma Cook

Published by: Hanover Square Press

Released: November 5, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: Meet Eva, who can’t feel pain, and Anna, who can’t escape it. Everyone has heard about the case of Eva Reid. Ever since she was born, she’s felt no she can get a paper cut, break a limb and even give birth without feeling a single thing. Her life has long captivated the fascination of reporters and researchers—including Dr. Nate Reid, Eva’s husband and acclaimed scientist renowned for his work in the Pain Laboratory. Also among them is Anna Tate, a ruthless journalist with a dark past of her own. When Eva is suddenly found dead inside her home, it raises a flurry of questions around the last night of her life—and who might’ve been involved. Anna finds herself growing increasingly obsessed with Eva’s her protected, painless existence, her promising career as a psychotherapist and especially her toxic relationship to the alluring Dr. Reid, whom Eva met and married as his former patient. But what other secrets could they be hiding? When Dr. Reid embarks on the process of writing a book about Eva, an opportunity arises for Anna to work on it alongside him. As she slowly inserts herself into their home to uncover what’s fact and what’s fiction, shocking discoveries await her—and not everyone may come out unscathed… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I love a book about secrets, so I was definitely interested in this one after reading the synopsis. There is always something so fun about mystery and obsessive journalists.

This book was full of drama and awful characters.

I was super intrigued while reading this, because I had to see just what was happening.

This story is perfect for thriller readers. I can see a lot of people wanting to know just what is going on in this book.

EMMA COOK is assistant editor The Observer Magazine. She has written for a range of titles including The Guardian, The Independent, The Times and the Daily Telegraph.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook. Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Emma Cook for letting me be a part of the tour. This would be the perfect book to curl up with and read by the fire.

BLOG TOUR: The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to MIRA and Sara Ackerman for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: The Maui Effect

Author: Sara Ackerman

Published by: MIRA

Released: November 19, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Taylor Jenkins Reid meets 100 Foot Wave in this dazzling new romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ackerman.

'Iwa Young’s life is high in the Maui rainforest. As a field biologist, she’s happiest in company with trees and birds and waterfalls. When a developer arrives with plans for a so-called "eco resort" in the middle of a forest full of endangered species, 'Iwa puts all her energy into the fight to protect it. But a chance encounter threatens to distract her. His name is Dane Parsons, and he’s a big-wave surfer from California. 'Iwa has a few unbreakable rules, and at the top of her list: never date a surfer.

Dane Parsons is part of an underground group of big-wave riders, and his connection to the ocean runs deep. When he meets 'Iwa, he can’t get her out of his mind. But 'Iwa wants nothing to do with Dane until he offers to help protect her beloved forest and waterfall. Always on the hunt for the ultimate ride, Dane suddenly glimpses something even greater, but just out of reach.

In this thunderous love story, we travel deep into the Maui rainforest and hop across the globe from Hawai'i to California to Portugal, chasing waves the size of nine-story buildings—where the unthinkable is always just one breath away. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really liked the setting of Hawaii. It was a book that made me feel warm, which I really needed as the weather is getting colder. I also love the cover design.

I enjoyed the characters and following their story. I really enjoyed the surfing culture.

I can see a lot of people really enjoying this one, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

Sara Ackerman is the Hawai'i born, bestselling author of historical & romance novels set in the islands. Her books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review. Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on Facebook @ackermanbooks.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman! Thank you to MIRA and Sara Ackerman for letting me be a part of the tour. This book is a great reminder of summer vacation while being stuck inside with cold weather!

BLOG TOUR: The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore! I received a free review copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Monica Chenault-Kilgore for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Jewel of the Blues

Author: Monica Chenault-Kilgore

Published by: Graydon House

Released: November 19, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: Set in the sparkling 1920s jazz era, The Jewel of the Blues pulls back the curtain on all the romance, danger and drama in the bustling backstage life of a young performer.

Lucille Arnetta Love has always lived on the run. In her family's traveling band, Lucille was billed as The Little Girl with the Big Voice, belting out gospel hymns and never staying in once place too long--all to keep attention off the real reason the Loves had to flee across America. Unaware of the danger, Lucille dreamed of breaking out of the backwoods and being big enough for Broadway. Nearly eleven years after setting out on the road with her parents, Lucille is finally discovered by Marcus Williams, a young talent manager who whisks her away to chase her dreams.

The big cities aren't kind to Lucille; no matter how big her voice is, there's always another act to be compared to. So Marcus rebrands The Little Girl with the Big Voice and sets Lucille up with a band. Once Miss Lucille's Black Troubadours are formed, no one can hold a candle to them. Together with Big Bobby, Lincoln, and Sweet Mitchell, Miss Lucille and her band become rising stars, moving up the bill and delivering knockout performances at every club and theatre on the circuit.

But as opportunities grow stagnant and the band turns restless, personal demons haunt the Troubadours. Between drinking, gambling, and love affairs, Lucille's family secret is revealed, and it's a shock even to her: a decades-old robbery that ended in a suspicious death--and all signs seem to point to her own father as the culprit. Now the thieves from years' past have caught up with Lucille and are back for revenge...and to collect the money that was never recovered with the body. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this story. I liked following the life of Lucille. It was interesting reading her story, all the ups and downs that life took her on.

I liked reading a story set from this time period. It always looks like a time of fun and party, but you can forget how hard life can be. 

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one, especially if they read a lot of historical fiction.

Monica Chenault-Kilgore was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and currently lives in Edison, New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Journalism. Her published works include Liberty and Justice for All…Profiles of Middlesex County African American Veterans of WWII and the Korean War which is available in the public library. She formerly worked as a Contributing Reporter for The Home News Tribune and The Courier News newspapers.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore! Thank you to Graydon House and Monica Chenault-Kilgore for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one book you should definitely give a read.

BLOG TOUR: Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Bryn Donovan for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Her Knight at the Museum

Author: Bryn Donovan

Published by: Berkley

Released: November 12, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: A centuries-long curse is no match for rom-com shenanigans when a medieval knight is brought to life in modern-day Chicago.

Forgotten by time and abandoned by hope, Sir Griffin de Beauford’s existence stretches out before him. Cursed by a ruthless enchanter to see, hear, and think, but never to move or speak, Griffin suffers the long, lonely centuries trapped in stone…until an unexpected kiss from a fair maiden breathes new life into his soul—and his body.

Emily Porter, a recently divorced conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago, is charged with the restoration of a statue of a medieval English knight. Breaking curses was not part of the job description. And yet, here he is, the man of her dreams come to life, resplendent in shining armor as he joyously barrels into priceless antiquities...and goes on to dismantle her defenses, wreak havoc on her senses, and tempt her to believe once more in happy-ever-afters.

But the modern age tries Griffin’s patience and pride, and Emily is a prime suspect in the investigation of the missing sculpture. In a complicated world, can they find their way to a fairy-tale ending? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: As soon as I read the synopsis for this, I was in! It was exactly the fun, romantic kind of story I was wanting.

This story was a blast to read. It gives everything the synopsis promises. Sometimes, I just want a book to let me have a good time, and this did that for me.

I can see a lot of readers enjoying this one.

I really enjoyed both of the characters and the hijinks they got into.

Bryn Donovan is the author of several romance novels, including Sunrise Cabin, a Publishers Weekly bestseller. She’s also written nonfiction books and the story treatments for two Hallmark Channel movies. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s, Writer’s Digest, and many literary journals. A former executive editor in publishing, she earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. She’s a voracious reader, a rescue dog lover, and a hopeless romantic who lives in the Chicago area and blogs about writing and positivity.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan! Thank you to Berkley and Bryn Donovan for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for something cute, give this one a read.

BLOG TOUR: Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Ace and Sylvia Mercedes for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Bride of the Shadow King

Author: Sylvia Mercedes

Published by: Ace

Released: November 12, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: For fans of The Bridge Kingdom and A Deal with the Elf King, this arranged marriage romance about a human princess forced to wed a dark and desperate Shadow King is sure to entice!

A shunned princess. A reluctant king.

A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I am always excited to pick up some new Romantasy. I'm also a sucker for the arranged marriage trope. As soon as I read the synopsis, I was ready to give this book a read.

I really enjoyed this one. It definitely had a lot of angst and feelings that the characters kept experiencing. 

It was a really easy book to read and devour.

I definitely want to read the rest of the series. I need to see what happens next.

If you're a Romantasy Reader, you'll definitely want to pick this one up!

Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and the feline duo affectionately known as The Fluffy Brothers. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels.

​

But mostly she’s writing.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes! Thank you to Ace and Sylvia Mercedes for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for some more Romantasy to read, you should definitely check this one out.

BLOG TOUR: Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Natalie Cana for letting me read and share this one!

Title: Sleeping With the Frenemy

Author: Natalie Cana

Published by: MIRA

Released: October 29, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.

Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.

When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I love romance series that follow families. I think you could read this by itself, but it would be more satisfying if you followed the series all the way through. There's just something really nice about already knowing the characters before jumping in to their love story.

This one is a second chance romance kind of thing. I had a good time reading it. I really like the whole cast of characters.

I think romance readers would really enjoy this series.

Natalie Caña loves to incorporate her you’ll-never-believe-what-just-happened-to-me personal experiences, enthusiasm for telenovela tomfoolery, and love for her Latinx culture into creating funny, heartfelt, and just a little bit over-the-top contemporary romances for characters who look and sound like her. A Proposal They Can't Refuse is her debut novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana! Thank you to MIRA and Natalie Cana for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for a cute and romantic series to read, you should definitely check this one out.

BLOG TOUR: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Canary Street Press and Susan Mallery for letting me be a part of the tour!

 

Title: One Big Happy Family

Author: Susan Mallery

Published by: Canary Street Press

Released: October 1, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: Please don’t come home for Christmas…

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I am not in the Christmas Spirit just yet, I am firmly in the land of Halloween, but I did enjoy this chaotic family Christmas story.

This was a fun Christmas drama. There is so much going on with this family, with relationships and secrets. I had fun staying at this family cabin as all the family came piling in. I was never bored and was interested to see where everything was going to go. Family is everything.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. This would be the perfect add to the reading pile if you can't wait for Christmas. 

 

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She's known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery! Thank you to Canary Street Press and Susan Mallery for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're ready for Christmas, you should add this one to your TBR!

BLOG TOUR: In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Crystal King for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: In the Garden of Monsters

Author: Crystal King

Published by: MIRA

Released: September 24, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: A woman with no past. A man who seems to know her. And a monstrous garden that could be the border between their worlds…Italy, 1948 Julia Lombardi is a mystery even to herself. The beautiful model can’t remember where she’s from, where she’s been or how she came to live in Rome. When she receives an offer to accompany celebrated eccentric artist Salvador Dalí to the Sacro Bosco—Italy’s Garden of Monsters—as his muse, she’s strangely compelled to accept. It could be a chance to unlock the truth about her past… Shrouded in shadow, the garden full of giant statues that sometimes seem alive is far from welcoming. Still, from the moment of their arrival at the palazzo, Julia is inexplicably drawn to their darkly enigmatic host, Ignazio. He’s alluring yet terrifying—and he seems to know her. Posing for Dalí as the goddess Persephone, Julia finds the work to be perplexing, particularly as Dalí descends deeper into his fanaticism. To him, she is Persephone, and he insists she must eat pomegranate seeds to rejoin her king. Between Dalí’s fevered persistence, Ignazio’s uncanny familiarity and the agonizing whispered warnings that echo through the garden, Julia is soon on the verge of unraveling. And she begins to wonder if she’s truly the mythical queen of the Underworld… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: The cover really got me for this one. It just really caught my eye, so I was excited to see what this story was going to deliver.

This story was definitely an adventure and a journey to read. When I read the synopsis, I could tell that I was going to be in for a weird time, and I think that is accurate. Reading this story is a surreal experience.

The author had some really vivid and detailed descriptions of food and place that really added to the overall vibe.

I don't know if this book is for everybody, but I know a lot of readers' will really enjoy this one.

Crystal King is the author of In The Garden of Monsters, The Chef’s Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. She is an author, culinary enthusiast, and marketing expert, and has taught at multiple universities including Harvard Extension and Boston University. She resides in Boston. You can find her at crystalking.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King! Thank you to MIRA and Crystal King for letting me be a part of the tour. If this one sounds good to you, you should definitely give it a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thank you to Graydon House and Margot Harrison for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Midnight Club

Author: Margot Harrison

Published by: Graydon House

Released: September 24, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: Four friends. A campus reunion. A dark new way to relive the past.

“How could you leave the past undisturbed when it was hiding parts of you from yourself?”

It’s been twenty-five years since The Midnight Club last convened. A tight-knit group of college friends bonded by late nights at the campus literary magazine, they’re also bonded by something darker: the death of their brilliant friend Jennet junior year. But now, decades later, a mysterious invitation has pulled them back to the pine-shrouded Vermont town where it all began.

As the estranged friends gather for a weeklong campus reunion, they soon learn that their host has an ulterior motive: she wants them to uncover the truth about the night Jennet died, and she’s provided them with an extraordinary method—a secret substance that helps them not only remember but relive the past.

But each one of the friends has something to hide. And the more they question each other, the deeper they dive into their own memories, the more they understand that nothing they thought they knew about their college years, and that fateful night, is true.

Twisty, nostalgic, and emotionally thrilling, The Midnight Club explores that innate desire to revisit our first loves, our biggest mistakes, and the gulf between who we are and who we hoped we’d be. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I love books with past tragedies that bring them all back together. The cover and synopsis really drew me in for this one. I also love trying to solve a mystery, not that I'm ever very good at it.

This story goes back and forth in time. We see the characters where they are now, and back when they were in college. They all come back together to deal with something from their past.

I really wanted to know what happened, so I was invested in the story.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. I think it's worth a read.

MARGOT HARRISON is the author of four young adult novels, including an Indies Introduce Pick, Junior Library Guild Selections, and Vermont Book Award Finalists. She grew up in New York and now lives in Vermont. The Midnight Club is her debut adult novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison. Thank you to Graydon House and Margot Harrison for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one you should definitely add to your TBR pile.

BLOG TOUR: The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak

 I'm excited to be a part of the tour for The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Brenda Novak for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: The Banned Books Club

Author: Brenda Novak

Published by: MIRA

Released: September 17, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: She left her hometown following a scandal—but family loyalty is dragging her back…

Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot’s borne the brunt of their mother’s care and now it’s Gia’s turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.

As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome. There’s the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.

When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this one. It's not as cutesy as the cover would have you imagine. Gia is dealing with a lot of serious things by coming back to her hometown. The story also didn't really focus that much on the Banned Book's Club, which can be a little misleading.

This story is really about Gia coming back to a small town that didn't believe in her. She is a very strong character. She also has family relationships that need fixing.

There is a cute romance too.

This story contains more than meets the eye. I liked it and I can see a lot of other people enjoying it too.

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak has written over 80 novels. An eight-time Rita nominee, she's won The National Reader's Choice, The Bookseller's Best and other awards. She runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity that has raised more than $2.5 million for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). She considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life. www.brendanovak.com

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak! Thank you to MIRA and Brenda Novak for letting me be a part of the tour. This is a perfect one for lovers of drama!