Review: Echo Moon by Laura Spinella

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In the third installment of the Ghost Gifts series, we move forward once again, this time 16 years. This time the focus is not on Aubrey's gift, but her son, Pete’s gift. We learn that after the incident when Pete was 12 that his dreams were not just that, but instead visitations to a past life. Esme, a mysterious presence in Pete’s life is at the root of everything. Between bloody battles and horrific scenes, Pete is haunted by not only the ghosts he encounters but by his dreams. Pete who has spent years running from this side of himself must now set off to figure out how this past life connects to his present. Through a series of perfectly timed events and encounters, Pete finds just how many ways people can be connected. This book takes you on a journey of past and present to solve who was Esme, why does Pete dream of her death, and was he responsible for it? 

Review: What About Us by Emma Tharp

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Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

If you read What About Her, than you know that the book ended with a shocker. I'm on the fence with saying that What About Us can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book before this to get an understanding of the backstory to fall into place for the why's to be answered in the second book. What About Us was unexpected with the plot twists and leaves me very satisfied with my unanswered questions.

What About Us, picks up from where it left off in book one. Never a dull a moment with some suprising plot twists that spiced up the book unexpectedly and makes things a little more interesting with secrets revealed from the past year that make Kate question everything. Her best friend has been missing for almost a year with no clues or information to what happened to her and then she gets a phone call that changes her life forever. In book two, everything comes out in the open and secrets get revealed that change everything. Most importantly, where does that leave Kate and River? 

I'll admit, initially I wasn't a real fan of River and Kate during book one but I found myself taking a liking to them now. What happens at the end of book one influences the dynamic of their relationship and becomes a game changer by forcing them to make a decision that breaks their hearts in this book. The problem with this is when you make a decision to make someone else happy, you lose sight of the path of your own happiness. Kate has a hard time dealing with her choice, not to mention the added pressure of River not wanting to let go. Then something bad happens and it forces Kate to face what her heart really wants but can time heal their wounds.

Overall, I'm glad that I got the answers that I had desperately wanted to know. I wasn't expecting the story to go the way it did but really enjoyed where it went it. I really think that the secrets that get uncovered about Kate's best friend will really hit home with those who've gone through the same thing. This book really got deep in their heads and hearts which made it more likeable. If you haven't checked out book one, grab that one so you can catch up before you read this one. 

Review: Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson

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I’m always excited to dive into a new series by an author, especially one that I absolutely love. Then There Was You, the first book by Miranda Liasson in the Angel Falls series, didn’t disappoint. There is such beauty in the way Miranda writes her novels that embraces romance and relationships in a way that is just so sweet and real.

I love when two people that you don’t think would ever fall for each other are each “meant to be”. You wouldn’t think that if you were in Sara Langdon’s shoes considering that coming home to Angel Falls was the last place on earth she’d ever want to be. Humiliated and heart broken, her fiance ditched her before her wedding for someone he used to date. Everything about her hometown was a bad reminder of everything that she thought was going to be. Never wanting to comeback, she put aside her feelings to help her grandma deal with an illness.

While on rotation on a shift at the hospital, the first person she sees is the one person who ruined her wedding. Not seeing Colton Walker since then brought back so many emotions that has her wandering if she could deal with things. Determined to avoid him at all costs, an unexpected moment happens between them that becomes a real game changer. Things happen for a reason in people’s lives and sometimes the person who might be your “meant to be” is right in front of you but you don’t realize it. You’ll have to read to find out what happens but it is definitely worth it!

Overall, Then There Was You was definitely what I’ve come to love about Miranda. I thought as always, she brought us a wonderful story that you just can’t help falling in love with. She always creates such wonderful characters and the relationships between them are always genuine and sincere. My favorite parts of the book were the grandmas. I loved the familial influences on the characters and the traditions incorporated of that unity and support. I know you will enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Perhaps, maybe Rafe and Kaitlyn? Well find out. Add this one to your reading list!

Review: Night Music by Deanna Lynn Sletten

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It’s so refreshing reading another book by Deanna Lynn Sletten. She has a way about her writing that is beautiful, especially the development of relationships into a romance that are in her books. You are not rushed. It isn’t predictable or cliche. I love the way she tells a story, especially with the theme of Night Music, she handled the subject objectively and captured the spirit of all sides.

I don’t recall reading a novel that involved the Vietnam War. As controversial as the commentary that has been expressed pro and con, I really applaud Deanna for creating a balance setting around the soldiers and the civilian. That aspect of the book was very thought provoking especially considering the political climate currently. Her characters really embodied their respective stances through the strength of their convictions which was very enlightening.

So, the novel was set late 60s and early 70s. We are introduced to Joe and his fellow soldiers on the front lines. Two things kept him calm, the sound of night music and the letters he received from Charlotte, a girl who joined a group who wanted to correspond with soldiers. Since the death of her brother, she was hoping that writing would help her understand what happened to her brother. She found herself corresponding with Joe, whom they developed a friendship until time drifted them away. He never forgot her and when tragedy struck, he decided on a second chance at life and what better place to go, Grand Falls.

A couple years later, never expecting to see Charlotte, he is stunned when their paths cross. She is everything he’d hope she’d be which leaves a lasting impression that pulls at his heart. One problem, she has a boyfriend who isn’t too thrilled about what seems to be some sort of magnetic pull between them. Once she learns who Joe really is, I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether it was just a coincidence or were they meant to be.

Overall, I thought another well thought out beautifully written novel that just sweeps you up into their journey. Great characters with engaging storylines. They each brought something special that collectively came together cohesively. You will feel many things with this book as for some it will stir up some thoughts for those who lived during this time and there are a moments that will definitely grab your empathy getting into the head of what people like Joe and Tony had to go through. I enjoyed the book and hope you add it to your TBR!

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

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Before reading this book, I was familiar with Princess Diana. I was aware of the public’s perception of her and how beloved that she was. I was also aware of the tragic way her life ended. However, as much as I was familiar with her, I believe I was still unaware of who she really was. I was a toddler in 1997 was Diana passed.

Before this book, I had a very general perceptive of her. Everyone loved her, so she had to be this truly impactful and amazing person. But I didn’t know why. Everything I knew came from the media and other people in my life. I hadn’t really did my research. After the recent royal wedding, I decided to finally dig a little deeper into the life of Diana.

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words is an in-depth and personal look into the life of the beloved Princess of Wales. It’s deeply emotional and addicting. It’s intriguing, and it allows for readers to get a glimpse into the surprisingly heart breaking life that Diana had. The book also features transcripts of interviews that the author had with Diana; so it truly is in her own words.

She seems human and caring. She is not portrayed as a perfect individual. She most certainly had her faults, and was deeply troubled. Diana dealt with mental illnesses and eating disorders.

Andrew Morton also does not shy away from the drama surrounding Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage. He explores it all the cheating, the lies, and the unhappiness.

As much as this book is about her personal life, it’s about her work. The author spends a considerable amount of time exploring Diana’s dedication to helping others, especially bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS. It is clear that those causes were important to her, and I’m glad that they were included in the book.

Review: We Begin Our Ascent by Joe Mungo Reed

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Debut novelist Joe Mungo Reed offers us a gripping narrative in his noteworthy first book, out this June from Simon and Schuster. Solomon is a resolute man and a promising professional cyclist who guides us through the industrious mid-race life during the Tour de France. “I am a peloton man”, he says. An Everyman. A man of routine, of limits gradually yet constantly pushed.   His wife Liz, a geneticist with equal conviction, has just given birth to their first son. Determined not to alter their ambitious lifestyles, Solomon and Liz struggle almost beneath their own radar to keep their balance amid the draws of new parenthood, two unforgiving careers and an even more ruthless sports director, Raphael. They are forced to depend more and more on outside support in the form of Liz’s vexatious mother and a series of covert doping regimens supplied by backdoor doctors at Raphael’s urging.

“I cannot tolerate a rider who does not do his best to prevent negative consequences….It would be a shame to see you fall away for a lack of preparation.”

The risks  pile up as Liz gets more involved with Raphael and his ultimatums. With the team’s sponsorship and world ranking on the line, Solomon is pushed ever closer to the very edge of what has long ceased to be his comfort zone. Like the bikes which so often pass through his scenes, Joe Mungo Reed’s prose is powerful without being weighty. You’ll find yourself swept up, steading against the tension and racing through until the end, eager to see what troubles await at the top when one reaches for the high-hanging fruit. Everything has its price, but how much are Sol and Liz willing to pay?

Don’t let the sporty subject matter scare you away from this one. With Solomon’s succinct and endearing narration against a cast of very real characters, you’ll feel that a secret door into the world of racing  has unlatched and you’ve simply been swallowed up, slipped in among the cyclists. I was surprised by how fascinating it all was and the ease with which I found myself hanging onto Solomon’s every perception. Joe Mungo Reed has done an exceptional job at providing something for everyone, marrying the unknown with the familiar through his explorations of relationships, ambition, and consequence. I smiled. I cried. I took stock.  This is fiction done well. Joe Mungo Reed has tackled his first novel with skill and you can bet I’ll be waiting on the second.