Madelyn was once a house cleaner for wealthy Leo Sterling, now she is married to him. But she has a problem… her overbearing mother-in-law (Delores) hMadelyn was once a house cleaner for wealthy Leo Sterling, now she is married to him. But she has a problem… her overbearing mother-in-law (Delores) has come to live, temporarily, with her and Leo in their new home. Delores is a recent widow, her rich husband Leonard supposedly committed suicide. But the case is being investigated as somewhat suspicious… did Leonard really kill himself? Is Delores possibly a murderer? As time goes by Madelyn is finding it hard to live with her stuck-up mother-in-law who is always putting her down. And, is Delores ever going to leave? This was a highly enjoyable read. Delores was quite a character! I found the plot captivating, with some twists and turns I didn’t expect. Another entertaining read by James Caine....more
Nancy Drew and some of her friends go on a ski trip in Vermont. When Nancy arrives at the lodge the lady who owns it asks for Nancy’s help when she fiNancy Drew and some of her friends go on a ski trip in Vermont. When Nancy arrives at the lodge the lady who owns it asks for Nancy’s help when she finds out that Nancy is a detective. It seems some mysterious things have been going on at the lodge and the owner is worried. While Nancy investigates, she and her friends run into danger… This was an enjoyable story. I really liked the snowy ski lodge location, and the characters were interesting. Another fine Nancy Drew mystery....more
Teacher Daisy Gunderson and Master Sergeant Harry Lockhart became pen pals over a year ago, though they never met. Harry, who is suffering from PTSD, Teacher Daisy Gunderson and Master Sergeant Harry Lockhart became pen pals over a year ago, though they never met. Harry, who is suffering from PTSD, is sent home for some rest and relaxation around Christmastime. He visits his sister and decides to visit Daisy, who is friends with his sister and lives nearby. But after meeting Daisy he discovers she has a stalker who is giving her Secret Santa cards and presents that are threatening and disturbing. Since her kind letters helped him survive, he decides to return the favor and becomes a sort of bodyguard until they find out who her crazy Secret Santa is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Harry and Daisy were a great main couple. Daisy’s three dogs were cute. I especially liked Caliban. I was curious to find out who the Secret Santa was, and I really enjoyed how the story ended.
A fun Harlequin Intrigue to read around the Christmas holiday....more
Very enjoyable short story. Stella is working two jobs so her husband can go to school. This is their first Christmas together and he has hinted he haVery enjoyable short story. Stella is working two jobs so her husband can go to school. This is their first Christmas together and he has hinted he has gotten her something special for Christmas. So, while at the diner she works at she meets a very strange old woman (Helga) who tells her to visit her store (Helga's Attic)… she has some wonderful gifts she can buy or trade to give her husband. Stella’s time is running out since it is Christmas Eve, so she goes to the store…
This was a really creepy, fun, and captivating read. It was like a crazy version of The Gift of the Magi. I had a hard time putting it down! My first book by Freida McFadden. I look forward to reading more books by this author. ...more
A British couple (Carrie and Andy) decide to splurge and go all out on New Year’s Eve by traveling to a posh hotel for dinner and some New Year’s celeA British couple (Carrie and Andy) decide to splurge and go all out on New Year’s Eve by traveling to a posh hotel for dinner and some New Year’s celebrations. They meet their fellow dinner guests who have some interesting New Year’s resolutions. This was an enjoyable short story with some twists and surprises. Another good story by Daniel Hurst....more
Young widow Katie Rogers decides to buy an old Victorian mansion in the woods. She loves it and seems drawn to it, but she also seems to be having dreYoung widow Katie Rogers decides to buy an old Victorian mansion in the woods. She loves it and seems drawn to it, but she also seems to be having dreams/experiences of being in this house before, many years ago as a child. Katie’s family convinces her this isn’t possible. Katie moves into the house with her sister Nancy and Nancy’s two children. Katie eventually discovers a dark and evil history to the house, along with a ghost…
This was a very eerie read. I liked the setting, with the mansion in the woods. The long dark hallways, the creepy creatures in the halls, etc. The first half of the book dealt with what happened many years ago in the house. I really liked some characters (mute Eddie and young Katrina). The second half is in present day and focuses on Katie, her family, and her connection to the house and some of the characters from the past.
Another spooky and captivating read by Ruby Jean Jensen. ...more
Smitten hero Lord Auberon “West” Westborne has loved Sylvie Somerville for years. Both of their families expect them to marry, but Sylvie’s feelings tSmitten hero Lord Auberon “West” Westborne has loved Sylvie Somerville for years. Both of their families expect them to marry, but Sylvie’s feelings towards West are more like for a friend/brother. West is hoping an invitation to a masked ball in honor of his cousin’s engagement will give West the chance for Sylvie to see him in a different light.
A cute and charming short story (set in Northamptonshire, England, 1818). I love romances with besotted heroes so I really enjoyed this one. Hero West really stood out.
This book just wasn’t for me. I found it boring, I didn’t like the storyline, and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Too many unnecessary thoughtThis book just wasn’t for me. I found it boring, I didn’t like the storyline, and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Too many unnecessary thoughts inside the main character's head....more
Raoul Daubreuil insists his fiancée give up her activities as a talented and successful medium when they marry. However, he agrees to attend what is tRaoul Daubreuil insists his fiancée give up her activities as a talented and successful medium when they marry. However, he agrees to attend what is to be her last séance—with Madame Exe. But even Raoul can't foresee the tragedy ahead.
Short story about a medium who reluctantly does one last séance, with tragic results. I found the story captivating with some creepy supernatural elements, and an abrupt, strange ending. But I still enjoyed it. Another good one to read around Halloween....more
Very short story about a stranger who stops at an isolated house after having car trouble and eventually prevents a murder. I found this story to be sVery short story about a stranger who stops at an isolated house after having car trouble and eventually prevents a murder. I found this story to be somewhat confusing, which lessened my enjoyment of it....more
A married couple (Nicola and Ryan) take a trip to visit Nicola’s friend (Kim, and her husband Lewis) at their luxury holiday home in the Scottish HighA married couple (Nicola and Ryan) take a trip to visit Nicola’s friend (Kim, and her husband Lewis) at their luxury holiday home in the Scottish Highlands. Nicola and Kim have been best friends for years and they frequently have family get-togethers. Nicola wishes that her husband Ryan could get on better with Kim’s husband Lewis. Lewis is very wealthy and likes to show off and brag at times, which makes Ryan a bit envious. But, this time, things become stressed… with secrets unfolding and tempers flaring, will this be their last holiday together?
The story was fast-paced, easy to read, and captivating. I liked the setting (the isolated luxury holiday house in the Highlands). And I was curious to find out how everything would turn out. But by the end, I didn’t particularly like the secret reveal/twist at the end, which then made me not have much sympathy for the main character's problem for most of the book. I did enjoy the story, but not as much as the other books I’ve read by Daniel Hurst....more
Peter Balsam (a psychology teacher) goes to Neilsville when an old friend (Monsignor Peter Vernon) asks him to come and teach psychology at St. FranciPeter Balsam (a psychology teacher) goes to Neilsville when an old friend (Monsignor Peter Vernon) asks him to come and teach psychology at St. Francis Xavier's school. When he arrives, he feels an aura of evil within the town. He eventually takes the position as teacher and finds his old friend to be quite a changed man. From an easy-going guy to a cold, stern, fanatic when it comes to religion. He wonders what happened to his old schoolfriend. Then, strange things are happening in town. Deaths, suicides… And who is this St. Peter Martyr in which the Monsignor holds in such high regard? Is it time for Peter to leave Neilsville?
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish it ended differently. The storyline was interesting. The cast of characters had a mixture of likable and unlikable people. Monsignor Vernon was forbidding, with erratic behavior. His group, The Society of St. Peter Martr, was pretty strange and creepy with a bunch of old priests doing unthinkable things. Some teenagers at school were quite annoying, especially a clique of girls who kept picking on an unattractive, shy girl. I didn’t like Jim Mulvey (one of the girls’ boyfriends) either, who seemed like a jerk. Peter Balsam was a likable lead character.
Andi Edwards comes home one day to discover her husband Spencer has a shocking secret in their basement. Will she trust the man she loves? I enjoyed tAndi Edwards comes home one day to discover her husband Spencer has a shocking secret in their basement. Will she trust the man she loves? I enjoyed this fast-paced suspense story, even if it was a bit unpleasant at times. Spencer was a total creep. And I didn’t care for Andi, sticking by her man, no matter what. There weren’t many likable characters in this book, except Andi’s friend, Jo. But I still found it an interesting, and captivating read....more
This is the second story in Season Two of the “Nameless” series. Nameless has no memory and gets his assignments from the mysterious Ace of Diamonds. This is the second story in Season Two of the “Nameless” series. Nameless has no memory and gets his assignments from the mysterious Ace of Diamonds. In this short story, Nameless’s mission involves a respected doctor who is secretly a murderer of patients that don’t fit his expectations of beauty. In the end, he gets what he deserves. Another enjoyable read in the Nameless series....more
Heroine Rebecca Salmon’s twin brother (Danny) disappears (he’s an agent for the DEA and has gone back undercover). Danny is in possession of somethingHeroine Rebecca Salmon’s twin brother (Danny) disappears (he’s an agent for the DEA and has gone back undercover). Danny is in possession of something the cartel is after (a flash drive) and he hid it at Adventure World (a theme park). He gave Rebecca and her young son Austin instructions to go on a scavenger hunt in Adventure World to find the flash drive, where he hid it, and tells them to trust no one. While in the park Rebecca runs into an old friend, FBI Agent-hero Jake Foster (who has had a crush on her since they were in school.) Unknown to Rebecca, Danny has asked Jake to keep an eye on Rebecca and Austin. Along the way Austin is kidnapped and she and Jake are chased by dangerous criminals throughout the park while they try to solve the puzzles in the scavenger hunt.
This was a very fast-paced and exciting read. I really enjoyed the book’s location inside the theme park. I liked Jake, I always enjoy a smitten hero. And Rebecca was a clever and caring heroine. Austin was a cute and smart kid. A fun, action filled read....more
Pretty nineteen-year-old Anne Ferguson, who comes from a very caring orphanage, leaves to make her way in the world. Anne travels to her new job in PaPretty nineteen-year-old Anne Ferguson, who comes from a very caring orphanage, leaves to make her way in the world. Anne travels to her new job in Palm Beach, Florida, and falls in love along the way. There are some surprises, but I don’t want to give too much away. I really liked the 1940’s time period, and the mystery in the story. The cast of characters were people I cared about. I especially liked the people at the orphanage, in particular, Aunt Betty, Aunt Gertie, and Anne’s best friend Grace. The cab driver Henry at Palm Beach was quite sweet, too.
Daisy McKenzie is a journalist who works for a London magazine. She isn’t doing very well because of her chronic insomnia. Her boss gives her an assigDaisy McKenzie is a journalist who works for a London magazine. She isn’t doing very well because of her chronic insomnia. Her boss gives her an assignment to go to The Serenity Spa (which is also a sleep clinic). The spa offered an invitation for a week’s stay, expenses paid, in return for a review of the spa. Daisy arrives at the spa and meets the owner, Amity Augustiago, who comes up with a program she is sure will cure Daisy of her insomnia. Daisy is worried about using hypnosis because of a secret in her past. But Amity insists it will help. Or does Amity have a sinister agenda of her own?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found it hard to put down. I liked the setting of the spa and the secrets that were revealed as the book progressed. The characters were interesting and I was curious to see how everything was going to turn out. An intriguing read by Miranda Rijks....more
This is the first story in Season Two of the “Nameless” series. Nameless has no memory and gets his assignments from the mysterious Ace of Diamonds. IThis is the first story in Season Two of the “Nameless” series. Nameless has no memory and gets his assignments from the mysterious Ace of Diamonds. In this story, Nameless’s assignment is to go after an arms dealer who has set up an underground bunker and supplies guns to gangs and terrorists. With an evil villain, an eerie, bleak setting, and a likable teen (Jimmy) who is helping Nameless out, this is another fine read in the “Nameless” series....more
MaryAnne Carpenter gets a phone call informing her that her good friend Audrey Wilkenson and her husband Ted are dead. MaryAnne has been named the guaMaryAnne Carpenter gets a phone call informing her that her good friend Audrey Wilkenson and her husband Ted are dead. MaryAnne has been named the guardian of their only son, Joey. So MaryAnne travels to the Wilkenson’s ranch home in Sugarloaf, Idaho, with her two young children (Logan and Alison) and her husband, Alan. MaryAnne is having trouble with Joey, who goes out a lot at night in the forest. Then, some campers are brutally murdered. Sometimes MaryAnne feels like they are being watched. Should she stay at the ranch or go back home? This story was interesting and captivating at times, but I just didn’t enjoy this book as much as other books I’ve read by this author. I found Joey to be an unlikable and annoying character and I didn’t really like his backstory with the mountain man, etc. A so-so read....more