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!

This is a book for book lovers and Emily Bronte fans who are okay with magical realism content. It was set in two timelines, 1921 and present day and was told from three POVs. I enjoyed it and found it kept me entertained, but at times it was confusing, especially when dealing with the magical realism component. I always write up a short plot summary for future reference and I found it difficult in this case. It was still worth reading. 3.75/5!

This is a stand alone (at least for now) thriller that, while brutally violent and somewhat graphic, was also very entertaining. It features some strong and clever women and a less than honorable corporation. There is also a very brief appearance by Connie Woolwine, who was a profiler in two previous books. I really enjoyed the characters and given the ending look forward to seeing more about Midnight and Doris in future books. 4.25/5 stars!

This is a legal thriller that deals with a lawyer at the top of his game, who spirals out of control after his wife is murdered. After getting his act together he is charged with the murder of a client's wife and must bring his best to keep his freedom. It was a fun, easy read, although I did feel the little bit of romance in the story was underplayed and felt flat. I still enjoyed it and I would pick up the next one if the series continues. 3.5/5

This was a fascinating read about a man who dedicated his life to service and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His work with HIV, Ebola, Zika & Covid is well documented, as is his dealings with seven presidents (from Reagan to Biden). His interactions with Trump were confusing as he was not consistent and seemed overly concerned with TV ratings, plus the rhetoric meant Fauci & his family faced death threats. A great read! 4.5/5

This is the first time I read a book by this author and it took me a while to get used to the writing style, which included lots of inner dialogue and some incomplete sentences. Once I did, I got hooked on the story and although I found myself wanting to yell at the male characters at times due to their poor communication skills, I got attached to them. The female characters were strong and likeable. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5

This is a collection of updated essays of Bill's editorials from his show. It is funny, thought-provoking, inciteful and irreverent. He has a way of commenting on our crazy society that makes you laugh and feel bad about things at the same time. He skewers the Democrats for being too sensitive and judgmental and the Republicans for having lost their way and for the cult of Trump. It was an easy and fun read. 4.25/5

This was an entertaining but strange story about a famous but anonymous children's author with dementia and a young girl who is a super fan. It reminded me a little of Backman's “My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologizes“. I enjoyed the book, but was disappointed with the ending as it left me wanting more (and not in a good way). That said it was still a fun read, worthy of my time. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 3.5/5!

This is #60 in the 'In Death' series and I have read and immensely enjoyed all of them. This one was particularly good and gave us more of Summerset's back story. It also had a wonderfully satisfying ending. If you like police procedurals with strong female characters I highly recommend them, but start with the first - “Naked in Death“. Don't let the 2060 setting scare you, these are not Sci-FI. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 5/5

This is the 3rd book in the Murderbot Diaries series. While they are short books, there is a lot packed into them, both in action and lessons. I really enjoyed the character of Miki and how 'she' affected Murderbot, given the differences in personalities, roles and how they were treated by humans. While the first one in the series is still my favorite, I will continue reading them as I am enjoying Murderbot's adventures and growth. 4/5 stars

This is #59 in the series. That I have not tired of this series is a testament to Nora Robert's skill at telling an entertaining story with interesting characters. While this was not one of my favorites, it was still an excellent mystery and probably a more realistic representation of the work of a detective (less action, more investigation). I always recommend you start at the beginning with “Naked in Death“ Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the ARC. 4/5

Junger is a well respected author and military veteran. After facing his own near death experience, which included a visit from his dead father, he researches the phenomena and the possible science behind it. It is a fascinating story and although some of the science was above my head, I quite enjoyed it. What happens after death is something that may possibly never be explained, but thinking about it is something most of us do. 4/5 stars!

I was offered (and took) an ARC of the sequel to this, and since this one was very popular I figured it was time to read it. I am glad I did. This is a wonderful story about people who do not fit in, filled with morality messages. It nicely teaches lessons on all types of prejudices and the lessons seem particular apt these days. I really enjoyed all the characters, both the children and the adults. 4.5/5 stars!

This book is a tribute to booksellers and librarians as a former bookseller I enjoyed it, but I am not sure how people not in the field will appreciate it. It did feel a bit repetitive at times and there were lots of good things said about James Patterson, which although deserved, felt a tad self serving. I most enjoyed the stories about the interactions with customers or clients. Still it was a fun, easy read. 3.5/5 stars.

This felt like a light, cozy type of mystery, but I found it to be overly complicated and keeping track of the characters was sometimes difficult and diluted each of their stories. The many POV's did not help. I also found the romance was not well written. That being said, it was still a decently fun read, with a nice twist. I also liked the Nova Scotia setting. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. 3.25/5

I really liked this one. It is a British police procedural with the added twist of the woman in charge (Kat) being told she has to work with and evaluate an AI assistant (Lock). They are supposed to be working cold cases, but when they get a lead the case becomes active. Her reluctance to use the AI & it's eerie human like presence add both interest and humour. I was happy to see that there is a sequel. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 5/5

This was a comfortable read (almost like a cozy mystery without the mystery). It had romance (although very little 'spice'), great dialogue and characters and dealt with many real life problems. It did move slowly at times, but I did not mind that. Both main characters had family issues and I found the parenting issues to be very realistic. Thank to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars!

This is the 3rd book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series. This police procedural combines the hunt for a serial killer with the difficult home lives of the Henley and her team. In this one Henley must face a criminal that raped and killed her best friend when they were only 15. The series reminds me of the DS Max Craigie series, as both take on brutal crimes, crooked cops and work life balance. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5

This is the 12th book in the Will Trent series, which is a sequel to the 6 books in the Grant County series. I have read most of them and they are all really very good. They are dark, often graphic, but filled with great characters. This one involves a majorly dysfunctional family that run a resort where Will and Sara are staying. Naturally there is a murder. Thank you to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. I could not put it down. 4.5/5 stars!

This was a fun, almost cozy mystery. The setting of San Francisco is a wonderful and integral part of the story. Capri owns a company that gives city tours about murders that took place there. When someone is murdered in the same manner as those for which her grandfather was convicted, she gets involved. There is also a hint of romance, which leads me to believe this may become a series. The book was an entertaining diversion from real life. 3.5/5

This book is a sequel to “The Berlin Girl“, but could easily be read as a stand alone. It is set in Hamburg, Germany in 1946 and follows Georgie, a journalist, as she gathers info to write about the British attempts to help the citizens. While it paints a grim picture of the devastation of the war and deprivations of the people there, it also shows the their resilience. Georgie also ends up helping catch a serial killer. I enjoyed it. 4/5!

I was a fan of Rizzoli & Isles (both the books & the TV show), so when I saw this book was the start of a new series I knew I wanted to read it and was not disappointed. The characters were great, with a mix of older retirees and some young folk as well. I also really enjoyed both the settings (Maine and Europe). While the plot is serious, it was not without some humour to lighten things up. I look forward to more from 'The Martini Club'. 4.25/5

This is a fascinating novel about the life of Claire Eiffel, whose father built the Eiffel Tower. Losing her mom when she was only 14, she became her father's assistant and (with the help of nannies and cooks, etc.) took on the responsibilities of their home and her 4 younger siblings. Using historical documents, the author imagined the rest and created a wonderful story. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5

The book started out slowly, but I was eventually hooked on it. It is told from 2 POVs. Savka is a Ukrainian woman being blackmailed by a KGB agent who has taken her son in 1944. Jeannie is an artist with burn injuries being cared for by 2 nurses at her home in Canada in 1972. It is inspired by many actual people and the history of the Ukrainian independence struggle is a relevant part of the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 3.75/5

I am a fan of Quinn and am impressed how she tackles various periods in history to tell us the stories of women. This one is told from the POV of several women & the boarding house they live in. It sounds weird, but it works wonderfully. Covering such issues in the 1950's such as McCarthy red scare, the Korean War, spousal abuse, women in sports, parenting and birth control, it was a great read. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.75/5

There is a quote I heard somewhere about how “to mother“ and “to father“ have such different meanings. This book had me thinking about that. It is about fatherhood, heritage, indigenous rules about native status, hardship, depression, dementia and love. While it is a rather sad read, it is beautifully written, entertaining and thought provoking. Thanks to Goodreads for the copy of the book. I really enjoyed it. 4/5 stars!

This is a mystery, written by the author of Winnie The Pooh, that I finally got around to reading after seeing it referenced in other books. It is a fun, light, locked room type of story that references Sherlock Holmes and Watson. It reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel in a slightly condensed form (it is short) and for some reason I kept imagining it as a play. It was a nice afternoon diversion. 3.5 stars!

This is one scary book. The author clearly explains how autocrats run and hold onto power in their countries (Russia, Iran, Venezuela, China, etc.) and how they make and keep their money. While it it gives us some hope at fighting them, it requires both acknowledgement about their power and a lot of changes to our financial systems. It is not a surprise that Trump admires many of them, praising one (Viktor Orban) in the debate last night. 4/5!

This is written by the man who ran the newsroom of the Washington Post and was one of people behind the case that inspired the movie 'Spotlight'. He talks about the Post's owner Jeff Bezos and his hands off policy. He deals with Trump and his war against media, reporting on the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter protests and the necessity for journalists to be objective. It is a well written and fascinating read. I really enjoyed it. 4/5 stars

I found this to be a weirdly entertaining locked room mystery, with a twist that completely took me by surprise. The televangelist family that Toby and his 7 year old son have married into is described as a pit of vipers and figuring out who, if any, are not deserving of that description proves difficult. I also loved the ending of the book. although I wish there was a epilogue set months later. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5 stars!

This is an atmospheric, somewhat somber tale that features a woman who leaves a bad marriage and returns to her hometown with her two children. Her family has always been rumored to be witches, and her mother has addiction issues. It is a supernatural mystery with a touch of romance, but at heart is about family dynamics and relationships. I enjoyed it, but did find it a bit confusing at times. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 3.5/5 stars

As with her previous books this one is a disaster thriller. It is set around an plane crash and a nuclear power facility. The plotting is very fast paced and the fact that you are left with no time to catch your breath between all the action is my only minor quibble with this book. It is also the strength of the riveting story though, as you get caught up in the anxiety and stress of the events. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. 4.25/5

I love that historical fiction often features and credits the roles of women in history as they are not often mentioned in the history books. This book excels at that and while I know that a lot of the book is 'fiction', it introduced me to a real person in history and I thought did a great job capturing a time and a place. I found the story to be entertaining and informative and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.5/5

This book reminded me of “The Future“ by Alderman. It is a cautionary tale set in the near future told in two time periods. It featured a tech billionaire (Sumter) who is a little unhinged and a strong young woman (Kristen), with a tragic background, who works for him. It is weird, unrealistic and complicated but entertaining and thought provoking. There is romance, mystery and social commentary. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5!

This is a thriller set among a group of friends at a small resort that features Astrology readings. What I appreciated is the suspense created throughout while the real 'thrill' only occurred at the end. The many secrets amongst the various married couples and the host, combined with the 'readings' provided clues to the final reveals. I enjoyed it and although there were many POVs, I followed it easily. Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital ARC. 4/5

This is a thriller about a dysfunctional family, set in a rural oceanside hotel during a hurricane. While I found it entertaining enough while reading it (although a bit unbelievable at times), it is not something I will remember a year from now. That being said, sometimes that is all you want from a book and it is still a decent vacation read. My favorite part was the atmospheric setting. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 3.25 stars

This is not quite a rom-com or coming of age story, but has elements of both. There is some romance and a bit of spice, but it is also about friendships, growing stronger and dealing with grief. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The setting is NYC and the main character working for a late night comedy show adds to the fun. I also liked the author's first book, so look forward to more. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5!

This is a story about obsession. It features a female psychiatrist as she learns to deal with the consequences of a tragedy she feels guilty about. It has a couple of great twists, a bit of spice and was very entertaining. I do question why many thriller authors, including this one, feel the need to portray their troubled female characters as very heavy drinkers when it is not necessary for the plot. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4/5