Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on 1/16/2025 + 3165 more book reviews

I didn't think the story of 'creepy' etc lives up to all the 5* hype given
SPOILER ALERT
This is about mental illness

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W. R. (NYbooks) reviewed on 1/16/2025 + 103 more book reviews

* * * * Historical fiction. Based on a true story. During World War II, when the Germans invade Italy, a young Italian teenager is forced by his parents to flee their country in order to save him. However, even from far away, he still somehow gets involved in the war against Germany.

Gripping story, at times heartbreaking.

There were one or two scenes that could have been shorter but overall an excellent book.

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John B. (cwousn) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 115 more book reviews

I must admit this story had me guessing and I didn't have any idea how it was going to end. Reichs manages the main action as well as a number of subplots deftly. This was another well written procedural. I also have a rather jaundiced eye about the main character's forays into danger without backup. One would think that, with her past history, she'd learn a bit of restraint - but that doesn't sell books. Anyway, it was an enjoyable read.

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Robin M. (robinmy) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 2123 more book reviews

Chase Stone and his sister Alex are shocked when their father leaves them his multi-billion-dollar business upon his death. Both Chase and Alex were estranged from their father and didn't have much of a relationship with him. Not exactly sure how to go about running this business, they learn that the inheritance comes with strings attached. It seems that Chase and Alex have a half-sibling they never knew about. They must find this unknown sibling and split the inheritance into thirds. Neither sibling wants anyone to find out their secret, especially the board of directors. They decide to try to run the business as usual while letting their attorney do the searching.

Piper Maddox was Mr. Stone's assistant until he fired her two weeks prior to his death. She knows the business inside and out, so Chase convinces her to come work for him. He quickly takes her into his confidence and explains that they need to find the half-sibling as soon as possible. He doesn't know that Piper has her own secret that she hasn't shared with anyone.

This was a pleasant contemporary romance with no real surprises. I thought Piper's secret was obvious from the beginning. I did like the fact that both the hero and the heroine acted like adults throughout the story; and the author didn't throw any big misunderstanding into the mix. This is the first book in the series. I'm looking forward to the other siblings' stories. My rating: 4 Stars.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 894 more book reviews

Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Exciting and immediately absorbing; I loved it!

Six inner-city teens from the East Coast are flown to California to participate in a summer Wilderness Adventure. The main character, Addy, has never been out of the Bronx and, much like the other city kids, is anxious about the whole trip. Addy is an orphan; her parents died years earlier when she was a little girl, and her grandmother, Bibi, came from Nigeria to take care of her. Addy still has nightmares of losing her mother and father, of the fire, and of needing to know how to escape. Bibi had signed her up for this summer Wilderness Adventure; Addy just wanted to stay home.

Arriving at the Wilderness camp, Addy and the others quickly fall into the routine for the summer program. From the very beginning, Addy realizes that the wilderness, the forest, and the outdoors call to her very soul, and Leo, the camp owner, instinctively sees her as a kindred spirit. Along with Ryder, Leo's dog, the three bond as they begin to systematically explore and map their wild surroundings and record the environmental changes they find - changes to land and animals resulting from never-ending climate change. Leo teaches Addy about maps, topography, and other wilderness skills, and they talk about her returning to continue her studies and work there in the summers to come.

But with the end of summer, the Wilderness Adventure comes to a close, and the teens and their two college-age camp counselors head out for one final challenge, a 3-day hike with overnight tent camping. They've prepared well for this all summer long; however, nothing could prepare them for what they encounter on their first night out.

I loved this book! With interesting young leading characters, all with their own issues and fears, the story evolves, and the tension steadily increases until you find yourself smack in the middle of some honest-to-goodness pulse-pounding action. I almost thought I was breathing the fresh air and, later, choking on ash and embers. The characters were so very engaging that I was much affected as things unfolded. The story easily and totally absorbed me from start to finish.

In addition to the exciting story, the very serious themes of climate change, ecological degradation, and the need for environmental protection come through the action. These concepts with consequences are presented simply and straightforwardly so the youngest readers will understand, and older ones will not feel it's too preachy.

PARADISE ON FIRE is an unforgettable adventure story that is perfect for middle grades, high school, and readers who enjoyed Gary Paulsen's Hatchet.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 2740 more book reviews

Interesting story, but chronologically I think this book (#17) follows "The Pirate King" (#11) due to some remarks made between Holmes and Russell. And my ego was pleased to find at the end that I had identified the villain much earlier on. Sadly, believe it or not, the villain didn't get the much kinder fate he deserved.

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Nada A. reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 1406 more book reviews

Women, the role of women, the standards applied to women in a patriarchy, and the pressures on women have been and continue to be a universal conversation. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard presents these themes through three generations in the world of couture fashion. The lifestyle of the rich is not relatable, and I can certainly do without the scenes of sexual encounters. However, as a woman, the three main characters and their struggles are relatable, making this a memorable read.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2025/01/the-disappearance-of-astrid-bricard.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

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Alice B. reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 3620 more book reviews

Filled with southern charm will keep readers guessing until the end Miranda James should soon be on everyone's list of favorite authors this mystery book combines a kindhearted, librarian, hero, family, secrets, and a sleepy, southern town and a gentle giant of a cat that will steal your heart ideal for Agatha Christie fans enjoy a good puzzle, pleasing blend of crime and charm.

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Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 2636 more book reviews

Terrific blend of suspense and romance with the added bonus of a "mature" couple. This is the first book in a new series centered around K-9 Ranch. Owner and dog trainer Jessie pairs up with her old friend Garrett to protect two children with trouble on their trail.

Jessie and Garrett have traumatic pasts that still influence their lives. Jessie lost her husband and baby in a home invasion twelve years earlier, leading her to start her business training support dogs. Garrett is a former sniper who has flashbacks to some of his missions. They have been friends for many years, but Garrett wants more. At forty-six, Jessie is wary of risking her heart again, especially on someone with a dangerous job. Garrett is fifty and has been in love with Jessie for years. I loved his patience and understanding of her fears while emphasizing that his feelings are forever.

When odd things happen around her ranch, Garrett's protective instincts kick in. Matters become complicated when two runaway children show up in Jessie's barn. Nine-year-old Nate and his five-year-old sister, Abby, escaped from their drug dealer father and his predator boss. The intensity ramps up as the bad guys close in. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, both terrifying and exhilarating, as danger was faced and overcome. I loved the ending and seeing Jessie find happiness at long last.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 894 more book reviews

Will's Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An exciting and inspirational historical middle-grade adventure story.

Will's Race for Home is a new historical middle-grade adventure story from author Jewell Parker Rhodes centered around the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. Twelve-year-old William Samuels and his father, George, set out for Oklahoma from their home in Texas, where they are sharecroppers on another man's cotton farm, to participate in the upcoming land rush. At stake is a 160-acre piece of farmland they can call their own. Along the way, they face danger from many directions: rattlesnakes, a treacherous river crossing, and, worst of all, from their fellow man. However, Will also comes to know and understand his emotionally distant father, a man of few words and agonizing secrets buried in his past.

I absolutely fell in love with this book and its young protagonist from the first page. Will Samuels easily mirrors the thoughts and feelings of any boy, as does his yearning to gain his father's approval and love. Not only does the journey allow him to connect with his reserved father, but it also opens his eyes to a world from which he's been mostly sheltered his entire life, living in deeply rural southwest Texas. Young readers will identify with Will, his hopes and dreams, and his love for his family and the mule, Belle.

The author features the historic Oklahoma Land Rush, which occurred on April 22, 1889, and the descriptions of the Samuels's journey, the time, and settings are vivid and evocative, putting the reader smack on the trail with Will, George, and their new friend and former Union soldier, Caesar. The story gives readers an idea of what it meant to be a sharecropper and the difficulty of ever getting ahead under the system.

Occurring a little over 20 years after the end of the Civil War, the story relates the tensions still in existence between those who supported opposite sides of the conflict: for many, the war was never over. Will's mother, Anna, his father, George, and their friend, Caesar, put names and faces to the men and women who had been enslaved from birth, only gaining freedom after the start of the war, and illustrates realistically what that meant for them going forward.

This is not the first book I've read from this author, and her stories and writing continue to be an immersive experience, no matter the topic. Her writing style is warm and easy to read, and the chapter lengths are perfect for younger readers. With its exciting and suspenseful story and engaging, relatable characters, I recommend WILL'S RACE FOR HOME to middle-grade readers and for use as a read-aloud book in the classroom, in an afterschool program, or at home.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 852 more book reviews

This was a crazy read that had that dream-like, hazy quality to it. I wasn't sure I liked it at first but as I kept with it and the two timelines started to meld together, I became more settled with the story. Ended up really enjoying it. Will have to look at other books the author has written.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 852 more book reviews

It is a short, dystopian story that is a beautiful, harrowing tale about life, grief, and humanity. This tale will stick with me for a long time.
In a bunker underground, thirty-nine women and one young girl go through day to day life not knowing how they got there. The women have vague memories of a past left behind but the girl only knows of the bunker. Days go by and the only telling of other life are the men who guard them. They come and go but never speak. Then on a day like any other, their world as they know it flips upside down and they are left in a different type of prison.
Filled with hope, despair, love, and anguish. It is a small story that packs a great big punch.

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Marci (marcijo28) - reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 346 more book reviews

McGee is special and a modern day hero!
A typical John D. MacDonald novel!
Well crafted and a very enjoyable read!
If you've not yet discovered MacDonald,
You don't know what you're missing!

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Kimberley H. (kimberhoff) reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 3 more book reviews

This book was sooooo slow and the characters were so annoying. The main character was always making the dumbest decisions.I got to the middle of the book and just couldn't go any further with it.

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JOANNE (joann) - , reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 417 more book reviews

These are a few stories about women who were almost famous. Some have names you might recognize, others not. Very good little stories.

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Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 1004 more book reviews

Another fun, fascinating and fast Longmire book. I will admit, I picture the actors from the equally great series as read the books. Our hero goes above and beyond to solve crimes, save lives, and bring justice to Wyoming.

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Leslie E. (psuelder) reviewed on 1/15/2025 + 112 more book reviews

It was a different read for me. Can't say I either loved or hated it. Definitely liked the second half more than the first. Interesting characters. Also, very interesting how very much their parents formed their personalities. Glad that I read it even though it took me a long time to get through.

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Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 2740 more book reviews

This is my first book by this author and I found the mystery interesting as well as actually relaxing, despite the fact people seemed to be continually killed off or hit over the head.

What I didn't like about it is that the other three books in this series are not currently available on PBS. What is especially irritating is that the second book has three other members ahead of me on the WL

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Regina C. (flyinggems) reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 457 more book reviews

27th in the series.

Easy read and if you are paying attention you will figure it out way before Andy does.


Andy Carpenter
1. Open and Shut (2002)
2. First Degree (2003)
3. Bury the Lead (2004)
4. Sudden Death (2005)
5. Dead Center (2006)
6. Play Dead (2007)
7. New Tricks (2009)
8. Dog Tags (2010)
9. One Dog Night (2011)
10. Leader of the Pack (2012)
11. Unleashed (2013)
12. Hounded (2014)
13. Who Let the Dog Out? (2015)
14. Outfoxed (2016)
15. The Twelve Dogs of Christmas (2016)
16. Collared (2017)
17. Rescued (2018)
18. Deck the Hounds (2018)
19. Bark of Night (2019)
20. Dachshund Through the Snow (2019)
21. Muzzled (2020)
22. Silent Bite (2020)
23. Dog Eat Dog (2021)
24. Best in Snow (2021)
25. Holy Chow (2022)
26. Santa's Little Yelpers (2022)
27. Flop Dead Gorgeous (2023)
28. 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas (2023)
29. Dog Day Afternoon (2024)
30. The More the Terrier (2024)
31. Dogged Pursuit (2025)
32. And to All a Good Bite (2025)

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Carol D. reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 27 more book reviews

Writing flowed like the perfectly raked paths of sand in a meditation garden. Joy to read. Simple Japanese is sprinkled through the text but the reader will have little problem understanding the meaning.

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Alice B. reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 3620 more book reviews

This is a true story of Eleanor, who starts out as a nine year-old child in Hitler's Germany, and an American child. This is a must have memoir about an aspect of wartime survival not often written about more than a chronicle of dates and places it shows the Lord the author to be a sensitive, intelligent woman with a gift we can be thankful she chose to relive, painful memories and share her story. This is a great story. I have read many books in my life, but never one who spent their childhood as American child in Nazi Germany?

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Dianne D. (WestieMom) reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 75 more book reviews

This book reminded me of James Herriot's "All Creatures" series. A story about a new doctor in a small town in Ireland in the 60's. The occupants of the town all have their own stories and run-in's with the Senior Resident Doctor. It was fun and interesting and kept my interest through the entire book. I have ordered books 2 and 3 of the series and am looking forward to reading them.

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Rachel G. (roach808) - reviewed on 1/14/2025 + 178 more book reviews

Not as pleasing as some of Catherine Gilbert Murdock's other youth/young adult works, but I still enjoyed it overall.

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Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 1/13/2025 + 2636 more book reviews

The book opens with the heartbreaking scene of Lord Tony Allyngham receiving a fatal injury during the Battle of Waterloo. He entrusts his friend, Major Jack Clifton, with two keepsakes he wishes to return to his wife. A year later, Jack finally has the chance to fulfill his mission. He is dismayed to find a widow with a scandalous reputation instead of the grieving young woman he expected.

Eloise spent her year mourning, then reemerged in Society as a beautiful and wealthy young woman. Though sought after by many, she is not interested in marrying again, only continuing Tony's charitable intentions by setting up a foundling hospital. By her side is her good friend, Alex, who grew up with her and Tony. Their relationship is the subject of speculation and rumor.

Jack and Eloise's first meeting did not go well. They encountered each other at a Society event, where Jack saw the flirtatious, care-free façade that Eloise shows in public. He's judgmental and believes the rumors he hears. However, when they meet again for him to deliver Tony's keepsakes, Jack sees a different side of her. He is still unsure what to believe, but he can't deny the sparks of attraction he feels. Eloise also feels something that has been missing from her life.

Jack's emotions are torn when it comes to Eloise. He can't deny his growing feelings for her, but he knows she has secrets she won't share. Those secrets become a problem when Eloise finds herself the victim of a blackmailer. I could feel her fear of exposure, her unswerving loyalty to those who would suffer if they were revealed, and her determination to protect those she loves. Jack wants to help but she shuts him out.

The blackmail plot introduces a sense of danger as the blackmailer grows more desperate. Eloise's determination to handle everything alone put her in several dangerous situations, making her future increasingly uncertain. The final showdown with the blackmailer was an intense nail-biter of an event with an excellent resolution.

The only thing left is for Jack and Eloise to get past the secrets that keep them apart. I figured out the secrets that Eloise was protecting early on and why it was so important to protect them. I loved Alex's part in bringing them together and Jack's ultimate understanding of the truth. The ending was terrific.

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Alice B. reviewed on 1/13/2025 + 3620 more book reviews

What is now referred to as the Russ belt in the United States used to be the best part in the highest standard of living in the country unfortunately, most of our industry has went overseas, and American prosperity went with it, and I'm reading this book because it talks about a man who is a reporter Has been in the workers unions and lives in Detroit, Michigan, which is probably the rustiest part of the kind ofthe rust belt now.

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