This author always manages to both entertain and educate me, which is the reason I enjoy historical fiction. This book deals with Vietnam vets in Canada and the effect deinstitutionalizing those with mental health issues had on vets suffering from PTSD. Set in Toronto and Vietnam, the story includes romance and an unlikely female friendship, where both women experience a ‘coming of age‘. I really enjoyed it. Thank to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.25/5

This is described as “The Light Between Oceans meets The Snow Child “ and that is a perfect description of the overall feel of this poignant book. Set in a small Scottish fishing village in the early 1900s, it is a story of hardship, secrets, grief, guilt and love. I enjoyed both the characters and the setting but especially the depiction of how secrets & misunderstandings can destroy lives. Thank to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

Once again, this author has wowed me with a wonderful romantic comedy that has humour, heart and a little spice. While it is predictable (it is a rom com after all), except for an adorable eight-year-old, it doesn't resort to the usual gimmicks you often see in the genre. Instead, this story about loss and grief and learning to live again has a wonderful depth, realistic characters and life lessons. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This is a magical story about motherhood, loss, grief and yearning all ensconced in a tale about a fantasy book. To make it even more delightful, there is humour and romance as well. I loved it. It reminded me a little of the writing of Kate Morton, with a touch of the enchantment of Jess Kidd's works. More about The Great Smog can be found in Mandy Robotham's historical fiction “A Dangerous Game“. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This is a heartbreaking tale of lost love, tragic loss and sacrifice. My heart broke for Beth, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of capturing her turmoil and grief, both about her loss and her predicament. I also enjoyed the beautifully depicted farm setting. While there is a sense of mystery in the story, it is not in the truest sense either a mystery or a thriller but is more a family drama. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4.25/5

This is a wonderful tale set on an isolated island between Australia and the Antarctic. It is there that a father and his 3 children work to save the seeds in a seed vault that climate change is destroying. This is a beautifully told story of family secrets, grief, tragedy and love. The environment and wildlife are also lovingly depicted. I loved the characters and the story, and it will stay with me. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC 4.75/5

This is the 3rd book in the 'Molly the Maid' series, and it is better to start with the first one, “The Maid“. In this one we get to read Gran‘s diary and learn the story of her life. The mystery in this one (in the present time) involves a Faberge egg stolen during an auction at the hotel. This is a light, humorous mystery series with a touch of romance, perfect for a little escape. I really enjoy them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.25/5

I really enjoyed this one. The story has mystery and thriller vibes, with a couple of love stories thrown in as well. It is told from two points of view, Camilla (whose husband took people hostage) and Niall (the hostage negotiator). The lives of both changed that day. There were a couple of slow bits and a few weak plot moments, but it was fun and kept me entertained. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.25/5

This novella is saccharinely sweet, and yet it was an enjoyable read. The 'mystery' is totally predictable, but the Christmas setting was fun. There were multiple subtle references to the O Henry tale of “The Gift of the Magi“, which added to the lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. This short story works, because it is short. Enjoy it with a cup of cocoa next Christmas. 3.5/5

I found this to be a clever tale of white male privilege and an attempt to overcome it in the theatre world. As a former bookseller, I have experienced people (males and even the mothers of boys) reject a book recommendation because the author was female. Others have rejected books for their children because the person on the cover (a person of colour) looked nothing like their kid. The book is a thought provoking read and I enjoyed it. 4/5 stars.

The beginning of this one feels like a 'friend to lover' rom com, until a woman ends up dead. It is not, however, a rom-com or even really a mystery, but more of a feminist coming-of-age story...even though the main character is in her thirties. She is a troubled woman who hates her job and worries about her biological clock and her mother. I did find it very entertaining but found the ending a little rushed. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5

This is a brilliant debut novel about family, secrets, love, and ultimately forgiveness. While there is a murder that is central to the plot, and some legal drama, I do not feel it read as a mystery or thriller. Instead, it was a beautifully told story of families facing tragedies and trying to survive. It is both sad and thought provoking and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to both Edelweiss+ and NetGalley for the digital ARCs. 4.5/5

After reading “The Queens of Crime“ in which Sayer is a main character, I felt I should read one of her books. Perhaps I should not have started with her first as I expected more. I think part of my issue was the dated upper crust ways of talking, that was sometimes difficult to understand. I have read that the series gets better, so perhaps I will try another one. The mystery itself in this one was quite clever and certainly unique. 3.25/5

This is a debut that features an archeologist who travels through time to save the world's treasures. Much of the action is in 535 CE Constantinople as he tries to rescue an ancient menorah. I enjoyed it, but I would have preferred less action, less characters and more dialogue. I do recommend it, however, for fans of action-packed historical fiction that are okay with a bit of science fiction as well. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 3.5/4

This is the 8th book in the Eddie Flynn legal thriller series. Normally I like to read a series in order, but so far reading a couple out of order has worked out. I really enjoyed them and look forward to reading the rest of the books. This one has a complicated plot, but one that comes together nicely by the end. I enjoyed the complex characters and the 'shades of grey' they present. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

This is the 10th book in the Orphan X series, and I recommend they be read in order. In this one Evan is conflicted by the actions of his oldest friend and weapons supplier, Tommy. Meanwhile Tommy is called upon to help the son of an old friend. It is an action packed, violent and entertaining story that includes issues of morality and lots soul searching by the main characters including Joey, Evan's ward. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4.25/5

I loved this story! It had a great combination of action, humour, romance and an adorable 'child' character. It also had the wonderful messages of love and acceptance that Klune is known for. While the plot is not an original idea, it is nevertheless still fresh and entertaining. The book is a re-release, and I hope the renewed interest in it prompts someone into developing it as a movie. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 5/5 stars!

This is a mystery set in 1931 and features 5 real female mystery writers as characters, including Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, who narrates the story. When the group are dismissed as not up to snuff at a detective writers club for simply being female, they decide to solve a real mystery. This was a fun story, and I really enjoyed it, as will I think anyone who loves the classic mysteries of that era. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4/5

This is an over-the-top story about some over-the-top women in a reality show. All the drama, jealousies, name calling, fighting etc. you expect from this setting are here. It is surprisingly entertaining at first, but once someone is killed the story seems to fall apart somewhat and the plotting is all over the place. While it was a fun look at behind the scenes of a reality show, it is not a great mystery. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3/5

This was a very entertaining psychological thriller about Rosie, a heart transplant recipient, who is obsessed with the donor's husband. The despair some feel after being dumped and their deep desire to find someone else is central to the plot. The book reads a bit like a rom-com until about midway, at which point there is a surprising twist and the thriller aspects become obvious. I really enjoyed the book. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5!

I would rate this a pick with caution as this is one I would only recommend to the literary reader. It is told from multiple POVs and jumps back and forth through time, often changing to brand new characters. I found it to be very confusing (I wanted a family tree) and it really should be read more than once. That said, the writing is beautiful and very thought provoking, and each chapter held my interest, but I admit I wanted more. 3.5/5 stars.

Strout tells stories the way my husband says I tell stories (we both wander and interrupt ourselves) and yet I could never hope to speak as beautifully as she writes. Her books find meaning in the simple things and as a reader I feel like a fly on the wall in people's homes. Strout's books illustrate that everyone has a story worth telling. I recommend starting at the beginning of the series to really enjoy these wonderful tales. 4/5 stars

This is a beautifully written and weirdly wonderful story. The Alaska setting plays a large part in this tale that feels like an adult fairy tale. There is love, both romantic and parental, coming of age and the adventure of living in an isolated location. I really enjoyed the characters, Birdie's searching for her place, Arthur's struggles and especially Emaleen's young wisdom and imagination. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.25/5!

This was an entertaining read, despite finding some of the behaviour by the characters to be somewhat unrealistic. I was surprised to find it described as a thriller, as I would say it is more a character driven tale of best friends, manipulation and romance. I particularly enjoyed the early friendship years. The book within a book and multiple POVs worked well and there were some nice humorous moments. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Erin McCabe mystery series and I recommend starting with the 1st one, “By Way of Sorrow“. These are legal thrillers featuring a trans woman lawyer, Erin, & her law partner (a black male). This case deals with racist & homophobic police and a murder. The story also follows Erin in her personal life. I have really enjoyed all of these books, the mysteries are good and the various morality issues are covered well. 4/5 !

This is a strange tale of a young girl who has been sent away by her mom to stay safe during a war and is now on her own. Together with a 'talking' goose, they roam the country. It is a book that is quirky, tragic, humorous, feminist and thought provoking. I enjoyed it, but did find it a bit odd for my tastes, although I suspect it really needs to be read more than once. It is for the literary reader or those who like something different. 3.5/5

J T Klune is, to me, the Fredrik Backman of fantasy. Like Backman, his stories are entertaining & sometimes humorous but woven through them are important life lessons about love & acceptance, right & wrong and the power of nurture. As I turned the last page of this book (at 3 am) I knew I had read a great novel and although I was happy to finish it (I did have to sleep), I was sad to leave this wonderful cast of characters. I loved this book. 5/5

This is a mystery thriller set in Toronto. Dame learned a lot from her PI dad and when she finds herself being evicted she pretends to offer his services to the landlord in order to stay. Her dad has had a stroke, so she will be doing the work. The story has some great characters and the mystery plotting is well done. There is romance, humour, some violence, arson and city hall shenanigans. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more. 4.5/5!

This is a memoir about a young man who is not finding satisfaction with his job and on a whim buys a very rundown off grid cabin. We follow his adventures as he upgrades the place on a very limited budget and with no previous skills to draw on. Along the way he learns more about life and what he wants out of it. Thanks to both NetGalley and Edelweiss+ for the digital ARCs. I really enjoyed it as it was light & funny, but still a worthy read. 4/5

This is a sequel to “The Hidden Storyteller“ and “The Berlin Girl“ and while not absolutlely necessary, I do think it would be better reading them in the correct sequence. I always enjoy this author and was not disappointed. Not only was it a great historical thriller (Nazi hunting), I learned something new (London's 1952 Great Smog). I really hope to see these wonderful characters again. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.5/5 stars!

Genova always manages to educate as she entertains and she succeeds in doing that once again with this novel. This time she tackles 'bipolar disorder'. Told from the POV of a young woman suffering with it, the book reads at a different pace, depending on whether she is manic, depressed or steady and thus captures the feeling somewhat for the reader. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed it and came away entertained and more knowledgeable. 4/5

This is a wonderful debut novel. It is an historical fiction inspired author's grandparents lives and is set in China in the late 1800's. It is a sad and in some ways tragic telling of the restricted lives led by women at that time, but it is not without hope. I would have given it a full five stars, but the ending felt a little rushed. I did still really love the story. and wait for more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5/5

I did not realize this was a sequel, so found myself finding it hard to follow at the beginning. Once I got further into the story and sorted out the characters, I really enjoyed it. It is a telling of the mythological tale of Troy, but told from the point of view of the women. In spite of being a darkly violent and tragic tale, the strength of the women and their sisterhood made for a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars

This was a romcom with enough depth to make it feel like a slightly more serious book than many in the genre. Of course, true to the genre, there was a lot of humor and a modicum of spice. It follows Emma who has just completed a year of sobriety and is ready to move on with her life. She soon realizes that even sober, life can be hard. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed it, as it was light but did not feel like fluff. 4/5 stars

This was a powerful fictional adventure story about a pair of estranged sisters who are mountain climbers. There is sibling drama, romance, intense thrills and tears. It is told in two timelines (before the estrangement and the present) and from two POVs (both sisters). The writing felt as if it was a true story and I really enjoyed it even without climbing knowledge, finding it hard to put it down. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

As someone who enjoys puzzles of all types, I had to give this one a shot. It is a sweet story about friends and chosen family and I enjoyed it. It did take me a little longer to read than normal, as I kept stopping to solve the puzzles myself. This is a light read, with a bit of a mystery and a touch of romance and was a lovely calm choice during the crazy build up to Christmas. This is a debut novel and I will watch for more. 3.75/5 stars

This is possibly one of the most depressing books I have ever read. It is the story of two young men for whom life has been an abundance of tragedy and cruelty. While it is listed as a thriller it is only towards the end that the book feels like one. In spite of all that, this a novel that I will remember and the characters have invaded my soul. I only wish the book had left me with more hope. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 3.75/5

I found the first 60% of this one to be a very entertaining read with some interesting characters. Unfortunately after that it became a convoluted, melodramatic, over the top tale where everyone ends up having a terrible secret, much of which was unnecessary for the story. Dropping Janie's mom's storyline and that of the judge would have made for a better read. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 3.25/5 stars for concept and the beginning.

This is a lighter mystery featuring Cat, who is a journalist with a small town paper. When a famous actor dies on stage during a performance, Cat (who was already doing a piece on him) investigates. The story has humour, parental angst, lots of small town doings and some #metoo drama. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next in the series. Thanks to NetGalley for digital advance reading copy. 3.75/5 stars.

This is a WWII novel set in one of the Lebensborn homes that Germany ran to breed racially pure children. The well researched novel tells the story of a woman forced to be a baby nurse & how she is determined to improve the lives of the children there. There is risk and romance and lots of anger inducing moments in the world gone mad Nazi Germany. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. While it is a story that has been covered before, I enjoyed it. 4/5

This is the first book in a new series that features Ruby, a young woman, & Cordelia, a 40 something woman who is a ghost and used to live in Ruby's apartment. I enjoyed it as it was a decent mystery about the death of a neighbour and had nice humor and quirky characters. The ending sets us up for the next book, which I look forward to reading. My only beef was why does Cordelia not print using pen & paper? Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4/5 !

I loved this book. It had everything going for it...drama, parenting, romance, wisdom, and some thriller action. I also loved the sketches at the beginning of each chapter. Dalton has wonderfully drawn from his own history, both personal and professional. He describes domestic abuse as a Tyrannosaurus Waltz, a phrase that really captures the reality of the situation many women find themself in. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 5/5!

This is a story about family secrets, trauma and sisters that is set in two time periods (1995 & present day) and two countries (Ghana and England). I found that it took me a while to get into it, but it is a tale that will stay with me. There is a lot of reading between the lines necessary to follow the story and some of the storylines feel unfinished, yet there was something beautiful about it. Thanks to Edeleweiss+ for the digital ARC. 3.5/5

This is not about books, but it encompasses a lot of other things. It deals with abuse (both spousal & by a teacher), a dying parent, family dynamics and a romance. In spite it being 'a lot', I really enjoyed it and gave up a few hours of sleep because I could not put it down. I loved Gia's strength and the realistic portrayal of what she went through as a teen (legally believed, but a town pariah) . Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This is the 3rd book in a mystery series and I highly recommend starting with the first one “Dark August“. This one is told from the POV of 12 year old Bly. Her journalist 'dad' has been missing for 3 years and her mom Gus, against all odds and risking their lives, has decided to renew the hunt for him. I really enjoyed this riveting adventure and in particular the wisdom of young Bly. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5 stars!

This one was slightly reminiscent of Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce series, only somewhat more gruesome and the teenage girl character in this one (Ava) is fascinated with studying the dead (a young 'Scarpetta'). I thought it was a wonderful debut novel and really enjoyed Ava. I do wish the detective Seth was better developed, but suspect that will come in subsequent books (fingers crossed). Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.25/5!

I really enjoyed this book. While it is a suspense novel, at its heart it is a tale about parental love and how far we would go to protect our child. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Frank and his sister Tammy, but especially loved the addition of Abigail, a smart 10 year old foster child. The story elicited feelings of both distaste and sadness for the characters, broken up by lots of humour. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This was short and fun Christmas mystery, but I admit at times I found it to be a little convoluted, perhaps as a result of the novella format and lots of characters. It is told in the author's usual style where he leaves clues and talks to the reader thereby breaking the fourth wall. I enjoyed the Australian setting, the insights into the world of magic and the clever plotting. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 3.5/5 stars!

I loved this bittersweet story. It is a tale of mistaken identity, forgiveness, love, and aging. The author captured the life of the aged and their problems with accuracy and humour. She realistically portrayed nursing home living based on my experience, as my mom suffered from dementia and was in one for a few years. I so enjoyed Fred and his ability to make the best of things. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. A great debut - 5/5!