This is the case which served as the hallmark of DNA genealogy used to solve crimes. It seemed to be happenstance that a woman CeCe Moore in California began investigating genetic genealogy not realizing that she was about to fall into a rabbit hole. Since then, she was able to lend her knowledge of this technology to solve crimes. That's where Detective Jim Scharf comes in to solve a cold case of a double murder: Tanya Van Cuylenborg /Jay Cook.

It was an easy read of a twisted story but I didn't feel it as it felt so unrealistic for me. She becomes fearful when her high school crush Christian Campbell who broke her heart shows up at there 25th high school reunion. She wants desperately to keep her sordid past with Christian a secret from her husband, Ken and son, Eli.

This book focuses on how the doctor becomes a patient himself with advanced stage prostate cancer. In general, most medical professionals make the worst patients and I can make this declaration as a medical professional myself. There always a struggle with the vulnerability of being the patient after years of helping others. It's easier to see the struggles in others probably more so to avoid acknowledging our own issues.

Every winter the Toliver Family head to NYC from their tree farm in Tarburton, North Carolina to sell their beloved Fraser Fir trees in time for Christmas. The annual sojourn is usually made by Murphy and his father Jock in his rusting 1982 Ford F-150 with a vintage fifteen-foot travel trailer hooked up behind it. The 1962 Shasta trailer was fondly referred to as Spammy has made the trip for the past 40 years.

“Salad paid the bills. At least, it was supposed to. If it wasn‘t going to, Hailey Sharp needed copious amounts of chocolate.” #firstlinefriday #aguidetobeingjustfriends #bookseries #jansenbrothers3

This is a complex murder mystery which captivates and keeps you guessing. This is book 2 of a series translated to English. “This is a haunting, cinematic novel about the legacy of violence and a community's collective guilt by one of Scandinavia's most celebrated young crime writers."

So, it starts on a dark note preparing you for a twisted tale of unreliable characters with secrets and devious minds.

The story is filled with suspense and foreboding as you wait for the story to unfold revealing sinister obsessions and alluring toxic characters.

Unfortunately, this story resonated as a familiar story for me which held my interest but felt like the characters needed more dimension.

Knife River is a tense, intimate and heart rendering portrayal of how deeply imperfect women love and manage intergenerational friendships, especially sisters.

This story is based on untold historical events inside the Lebensborn Society maternity homes that existed during WWII. They had a "Program" to ensure that the German race is preserved and raised by good German families. Three women find themselves in precarious situations while trying to protect themselves and their unborn baby.

This is a complex story about Sarah Lai, a Chinese American, trying to make a name for herself in the film industry. She ends up getting in over her head with many powerful bosses. She leaves for a job teaching until she is approached by a journalist. Sarah decides that it is time to finally reveal the sordid details of life in the industry. It becomes her "me too" movement. It's a precautionary tale of being careful for what you wish.

Marnie Fairchild runs the family business Wish & Company where she services high end clientele who don't want the task of gift buying. This is a light, romantic story with humorous moments when the ever perfect Marnie becomes distracted and accidently gets some gifts mixed up.

Book 3: Cassie attends a party at Luke's house where she is introduced to the locals who live in Avalon Bay. She decides to have a carefree summer as she celebrates her 21st birthday. It isn‘t long for her to find a "summer fling" when she overhears Tate Bartlett being dumped by his girlfriend. The sailing instructor is no stranger to flings but friend zones the sweet Cassie. Will he be able to keep his distance from the fun loving sweet Cassie?

Book 2: This is part of a series which has similar characters but can be read as a stand-alone. In book 1, we met Cooper and Mackenzie and this novel focuses on Cooper‘s twin brother, Evan Hartley. Genevieve West returns to Avalon Bay after her mother dies. She had a reputation as a wild child growing and wants to prove that she is no longer that same careless teen. If only she could avoid Evan Hartley!

Book 1: This a fun summer beach read with all the necessities: light and easy read, page-turning, sexy and fun novel. This is part of a series which has similar characters but can be read as a stand-alone. The novel‘s setting is the beach town of Avalon Bay in North Carolina where affluent people stay to escape for the summer from the chaos of their busy city lives.

This is the 3rd book in the Sunshine Vicram series which should be read in order and not stand alone. it begins with a plot in book one which is gradually revealed through the following books. What doesn't change is the witty sarcasm that makes Sunshine Vicram a likeable protagonist. This is addition does not disappoint with the mystery, wit and humor. A fun cozy mystery series.

This is book 2: Sunshine Vicram series. You would think that life in a small town would be peaceful and less than exciting but not in Del Sol! From a menacing racoon to handling assaults, she has to reel in her daughter who seems to be drawn to trying to solve crime as well. The story has serious topics which are addressed with mystery and just the right amount of sarcastic humor which makes Sunshine a character you want to have a happy ending.

This is book 1 of a series. Sunshine Vicram returns to her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico. Vicram is surprised to discover she had won the election for town sheriff since she hadn‘t run for the position. The novel unfolds a messy and confusing case involving a missing classmate of Auri. There are many accusations being thrown around. It‘s up to Sunshine to weed through the lies and truths before times runs out in finding this missing girl.

Kendra is a successful author under pressure to finish her latest book which is being translated into German. She convinces her editor that she will be more productive if she returns to Hidden Lake, Michigan to the cabin she recently inherited from her grandfather. The return brings mixed feelings and unanswered questions as she revisits memories from her past. Trigger warning topics:child abuse, drug and alcohol use and resulting tragedies.

This story is reminiscent of stories already told involving a dying parent with plans to reunite their children with plans in the will to sell a jointly owned inherited home. The story is different yet the same anticipated plot. It becomes more complicated when his relationship with one of the sisters is exposed. Again, the family need to share their secrets and lives in order to move forward and possibly reunite the family again.

This historical fiction is based on true events during war time Britain. Cressida Westcott is a famous fashion designer who lost her business after the London Blitz. During this era, many women were scaping together clothes or borrowing wedding dresses as supplies are hard to find. Cressida finds her place by gathering women and teaching them how to sew. it becomes their contribution to the war effort in a unique and meaningful way.

This story was inspired by letters and newspapers from London during WWII. This is book 1 of a series.
Emmeline Lake works hard to become a respected reporter working for Woman's Friend publication. It takes awhile for Emmy to warm up to Henrietta Bird who is the publisher of Woman‘s Friend. There is a wonderful cast of well-developed characters who each touch your heart.

Emmy Lake works hard to become a respected reporter working for Woman's Friend publication. The paper decides to do a report highlighting the efforts of women who are working to support the men at war by working in machine shops. When Emmy finally gets all the necessary approvals to conduct the interviews she learns more than she imagined.

The story continues with its same witty, lively characters which really drive the stories which are an encouraging look at life during WWII. This is all upended when Mrs. Porter inherits Woman's Friend from her uncle Lord Overton who owned the magazine for 48 years. Everyone is appalled when the new owner, Mrs. Porter, wants nothing more than to make dramatic changes creating havoc amongst the employees and the readers.

This is a touching memoir of a Chinese American woman raised in America under the critical expectations of her Chinese mother. The story is vivid and explicitly describes her struggles trying to adapt to American culture. She slowly begins to resent her mother who is resistant to changing her Chinese traditions.

A group of old college friends gather together each summer at the cottage of their affluent friend, Sabrina. This year is different because she has to break the news that her father is selling it so it will be their last summer together. There are some secrets that each of the friends has yet to disclose to group. The tension and support mixed with humor makes this a fun read.

Fascinating look at the history of women‘s clothing especially the skirt over the years.
The evolution and style that changed and transformed generations. It was an actual crime to wear pants in some places.“It‘s too early to say definitively whether this creative and individualistic blending of masculine and feminine garments, accessories, and cosmetics is a passing fad or a new “standard,” either in fashion or in gender expression.”

There are many twists in this story as the stories of Lila and Aaron are revealed. Life seems idyllic life with her husband Aaron, a math teacher. They met at Cornell, settled in NC after they married. Can broken people be repaired? How well do people really know each other? Is redemption possible for those who commit despicable crimes? Can certain crimes ever be justified? So many questions will run through your mind while reading this thriller.

This is book 3 in the Lost Things series and what a great addition. At first I wondered how this could compare to the first two books and where it would take Xanthe. Although slow initially when it took off I couldn‘t put the book down. It was a whirlwind adventure of whimsy and danger while Xanthe time travels as a Spinner once again to restore peace and history. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this series. What a cliff hanger!

Diana Sparrow doesn‘t remember much after waking up in the hospital barely clinging to life after a tragic car accident. Her journey to recovering her memory is piqued when she discovers a list she had written prior to the accident.Her MIL moved into the apt above their garage to help Diana. It was a blessing in the beginning when she initially got home but soon finds her over bearing and annoying. Twisted story of revenge, resentment, jealousy.

This story based on true events flowed smoothly unrolling a mystery in colonial British India. While Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a Poona military hospital in 1892, he spends time reading Sherlock Holmes novels to pass the time. When he comes across the suspicious deaths of two women in the paper, Jim goes into investigative mode. He becomes interested in solving the mystery of two young women falling from the university clock tower.

I enjoyed this short story in Christmas time of 1872 England. In a very religious community, Celia Hooper tries desperately to uncover the truth about a self righteous man, Seth Marlowe. The atmosphere and setting provided a backdrop for the themes of repentance and forgiveness to shine. It reminds us that no one is perfect and that the hardest part is owning our imperfections. There can be no meaningful restitution or resolution otherwise.

At 70, author Elizabeth Berg reflects on the decline of her aging parents back in 2010.It‘s a touching story of endurance and support as well as the frustrations that arise with aging.t is not a sappy love story about parents who “lived happily ever after” Most people would prefer to age gracefully with pride and dignity intact. It‘s a delicate, precarious balance to ensure that happens while maintaining the safety and support that is essential.

Everly achieves her dream of leaving farm life for a busy life in Chicago running an online real estate agency. When Everly is sent on an unexpected Amazon Explorer Cruise in Brazil she is forced to reevaluate her life. She manages a media-free nightmare vacation with the help of Asher Adams the cruise naturist. She slowly makes the best of her break from the craziness of the city. A story about family traditions, love and new beginnings.

This a wonderfully twisted story of friendship, family, deception and revenge. Darcy Hogan agrees to be interviewed on Good Morning Ireland after receiving Businesswoman of the Year award. Lindsay St Clare is a an ambitious reporter who is delighted to have Darcy appear even if it‘s to advertise her latest cookbook, “Darcy‘s Dishes“ The interview abruptly goes awry when a caller begins to ask inappropriate personal questions on air. A fun read.

“My calendar is full of dead people.” This explores how the choices we make in life lead us to where we are now. It explores the question common to all which is, “what if”. Dawn questions her life and past decisions after a near death experience. She loves her husband Brian, daughter Meret and sister Kieran but she is compelled to go to Egypt rather than head home to her family. Her thoughts wander back 15 years to her unfinished dissertation.

In 1664, Hannah Owens finds baby Maria wrapped in a blue blanket in the woods and she brings her home to raise as her own. Maria is not an ordinary child and quickly learns the healing properties of herbs. Having been an orphan herself, Hannah takes pride in teaching Maria how to read and write which are valuable tools during this time period. The lessons of magic are delicate and sacred; not to be entrusted to those who do not value its purpose

The Owens' women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in town since Maria Owens built a house on Magnolia Street. This unconventional house has 3 locks on every door.Gillian and Sally are sisters who live in the attic where they are raised by their carefree aunts who allow them freedom to do as they wish. Trouble seems to follow Gillian when she returns putting the responsibility of the dependable Sally to help remedy the situation.

“What is meant to be is bound to happen, whether or not you approve.”
This follow up book to Practical Magic focuses on another generation of the Owens Family of Boston. Susanna Owens escapes MA to pursue a career as a model in Paris, marries a psychiatrist and move to New York. She never speaks to her children about their ancestry or her family. It is 1950's and the Owens children are noted at the Starling School for their odd behavior.

“We both know you can't tell your own story without exposing someone else's.“
This novel is the author's envisioning of a mysterious unresolved event. It's Nan's story of ambition and desire to climb over other people in order to obtain her happy ending. It's narrated in the first person who happens to be Nan but alternating timelines from her youth to where she is now, blatantly flaunting herself in the Christie home as an assistance to Archie.

The first story has Xanthe time traveling to relieve the angst and threats from a woman who haunts her. In book2, an old copper chocolate pot calls to her in a distressful manner which she investigates. Coincidentally, the chocolate pot seems to come from 1605 which was the era of her previous trip. While Xanthe tries to balance her life between past and present, she realizes that she plays a bigger role in history than she realized.

This is the life and survival of Cecilia “Cilka” Klein during her time at the Auschwitz concentration camp and the years that follow. Many are released, it is just the beginning of more years of hard labor and struggling to survive for Cilka. She can‘t help but to question many of the practices to which she finds deplorable. Cilka‘s Journey is one of survival and empowerment.After 10 years, she is released only to decide how to start a new life.

In Berlin, Hanni Kohn‘s husband was murdered during a riot outside a Jewish hospital in which he worked as a doctor. Hanni realizes that she must stay to protect her dying mother while finding a way to save her her 12 year old daughter, Lea.This is unlike any other historical novel written about WWII. The characters, experiences and connections are rich and substantial. With any story during this time period, there is pain and loss and redemption.

Float Plan begins the healing journey for Anna who is struggling to find closure after boyfriend Ben overdoses on medications and alcohol. Turning tragedy into adventure, Anna sets sail to Puerto Rico with only the his travel itinery. She hires Keane Sullivan in a manner which seems clandestine. Anna encounters many unexpected situations in which she learned to be open and flexible allowing her to discover her authentic self.

In this latest installment of the Ellery Hathaway series, we find Ellery living in Boston following the events of the prior book. Since his divorce, FBI Special Agent Reed Markham he had planned visitations with 7 year old daughter, Tula in VA. Needless to say, the case become complex with unexpected suspects. There are always secrets and lies which alter the path of the investigation at every turn. The twists and suspense leave you wanting more.

Sama moves to Boston ahead of Hadi where she is working on her dissertation on birds at Harvard University. When Hadi's father dies, he travels back to Syria for the funeral. At this time, Sama is pregnant, and they are expecting their first child, a boy. What was supposed to be a relatively quick trip turns into an unexpected situation having Hadi deported back to Syria when he tries to return home to Sama and his son. Emotional, family themed.

In 2013, Zeba Blay was one of the first people to coin the viral term “carefreeblackgirls” on Twitter. It was, as she says, “a way to carve out a space of celebration and freedom for black women online.” She discusses how culture forms how people view themselves. Carefree Black Girls is an honest journey of a black girl from unrealistic expectations and criticism to self-acceptance.

It‘s about 3.5 stars as it got confusing with the plot and characters. I did enjoy the deceptive characters all trying to survive a clearly impossible scenario. I was not prepared for the gory apocalyptic story. It was all anticlimactic for me given the deadly virus to which they had all been exposed.

Carla Black goes to Ireland to be MOH at her friend Anna‘s wedding to Keane Sullivan. She meets Eamon Sullivan, the best man, at a pub where he is tasked with picking her up at the airport. Instead of them going to help Keane and Anna with wedding plans they go rouge. They hit it off and literally “go off the map” on adventures.They eventually meet up with Anna and Keane for a mini adventure before joining the anxious family ready for a wedding!

The author‘s introduction is extremely helpful for understanding the manner in which the stories unfold. It can become confusing as there are “many daughters of Afong” as the title states. The theme of the story is the concept of epigenetic trauma. The idea that certain experiences and memories can be “inherited” in some way. The author focuses on the life of a real person, Afong Moy, who was the first Chinese woman to land in America in 1836.

It‘s February with hearts and Valentines everywhere which Sora finds depressing. She is a difficult to like character because she is so self deprecating and self sabotaging. A few annoying issues for me dealt with the mention of bacon so many times. The other issue is that poor one eyed dog, Larry. Every time she mentions his mishaps bumping into things it made me cringe! There are some redeeming qualities I just found them annoying.