Mini-Book Review — Specters in The Glass House

13 Nov

As with all novels by Jaime Jo Wright, Specters in The Glass House had me seeing ghosts! Never fear, though, this novel is Christian fiction and all the spooky goings-on had very real life explanations. I can’t tell you what they are, because that would certainly spoil things, but just know that things aren’t always as they seem and narrators are not always reliable. 😉 The complexly-plotted novel explores blessings and curses which presented an unsettling and sinister narrative that is juxtaposed with the goodness of God. The characters are troubling and troubled and are some of the most intriguing characters written by Wright. I found the mystery spread between two timelines to be intriguing as well — it kept me guessing until the very end. The atmospheric setting of the grand, yet puzzling, house and its greenhouse filled with butterflies was perfect. If you are creeped out by butterflies (I know someone who is), you may want to skip this book. LOL. All in all, Specters in The Glass House checks all the boxes for a twisty mystery with spooky elements.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I received the ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron’s empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family’s Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian’s sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer’s ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.

In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer’s quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold’s mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian’s great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?

Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author–including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards–is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes – providing an exhilarating amount chaos.

Visit her at: http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com and listen to her podcast MadLit Musings on your favorite podcast player or at http://www.madlitmusings.com.

Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — The Sound of Violet

13 Nov

Sound of Violet JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition) by Allen Wolf, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Sound of Violet

Title: The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition)
Author: Allen Wolf
Publisher: Morning Star Publishing
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

He longs for love; she fears it.

Shawn dreams of finding a lifelong relationship, but only finds frustration—until he meets Violet, a beautiful, mysterious woman who sees past his autism to the man within. From the moment their eyes first lock, something sparks.

But behind Violet’s quiet smile lies a world of pain. Trapped in a life of exploitation, she’s learned that closeness brings danger.

Yet, something about Shawn feels different. Safe. Real. Worth risking everything.

As their bond deepens, they must defy impossible odds and find the courage to fight for each other, no matter the cost. Because only love has the power to heal their deepest wounds and break them free from their past.

This inspirational contemporary romance—now a motion picture— returns as a newly revised 10th Anniversary Edition, with expanded storytelling and greater emotional depth.

Excerpt

On A Date — From Chapter 8

A gentle smile lit Shawn’s face. “I could never go to auditions. Or act. For anything. You’re very brave.”

She smirked, bitterness rising. “Or crazy.” It amazed her that he still believed her story, but she appreciated her precious moments of being treated like anyone else before she had to raise her walls again and lose that brief taste of normalcy.

He looked into her eyes. “You’re a different wavelength.”

Violet tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Shawn paused, studying her with careful attention. “There are colors we can’t see. Beauty that’s outside our visible spectrum. There’s a lot about you that’s not visible to me yet. But I can tell it’s going to be . . . beautiful.”

Violet’s composure began to slip, but she gathered it back like armor, years of practice helping her maintain control. She wasn’t used to hearing kind words that didn’t come with strings attached, or weren’t weapons disguised as compliments. Long ago, she’d learned not to trust what people said, but something in Shawn’s voice made her want to believe him.

“Can we try the hug again?” she asked, taking a tentative step forward. He pulled back. “What if I hug you gently?” She tried to put her arms around him, but he stepped away and looked down at the sidewalk. She waited a moment, patient. “Can you give me a hug?”

He looked up, uncertainty written across his face. Scooting a little closer to Violet, he carefully put his arms around her, creating a circle that held her without touching. 

She had never experienced someone being so close without making contact. It felt more intimate than any embrace she’d known.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


About The Author

Allen Wolf

Allen Wolf is an award-winning storyteller who creates novels, films, and games. His debut novel, The Sound of Violet, inspired him to write, direct, and produce its movie adaptation, continuing a filmmaking career that began with the worldwide release of his thriller, In My Sleep, which garnered multiple film festival awards. A graduate of NYU’s film school, he hosts the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast, where he and his guests offer an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry. The award-winning games he created, including You’re Pulling My Leg!, have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of players worldwide. Allen lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children, who inspire his creativity.

Connect with Allen by visiting thesoundofviolet.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed copy of The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition), a Blu-Ray or DVD of The Sound of Violet movie, the movie soundtrack CD, and $10 Amazon Gift Card!

The Sound of Violet JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight on Christmas Fiction — A Match Made at Christmas

12 Nov

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Match Made at Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Match Made at Christmas

Title: A Match Made at Christmas
Author: Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance Novella Collection

A-parent-ly Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)

Noel and Joy Davidson didn’t mean to separate, but a job promotion and educational opportunities were too much for their marriage to withstand. Now, it’s Christmas and their son Andy wants them together. Between his mischief, an unexpected snowstorm, and the holiday spirit, they’re remembering why they first wanted to be together. But which one will give up their dream for the other?

A Match of her Own (by Sarah Anne Crouch)

Victoria Wood is torn between elation and devastation now that her sister is married and gone. When she realizes her sister’s best friend is alone and best-friend-less on Christmas, she knows just what to do. Set her up with a boyfriend! But pesky Jared Knight keeps getting in the way. Jared can’t date Victoria—she’s too immature—but he can’t convince his heart to move on. How will he keep Victoria from ruining everyone’s love lives? When will she realize her perfect match is closer than she thinks?

Jingle Bell Matchmakers (by Lori DeJong)

When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.

The Santa Setup (by Heather Greer)

Turning friendship into love takes magic. Good thing Nicholas Eckert and Julie Clarke work at Christmas Wonderland. The attraction brims with holiday magic, not to mention four teenage elves determined that Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop playing a couple and become one. The teens will need more than mistletoe to pair up these two. Julie is seeing someone, and Nick won’t risk their friendship for possible love. Only the elven employees’ outrageous antics stand a chance of setting up Santa in time for Christmas.

Excerpt

The Santa Setup by Heather Greer

She’d heard it before. They both had. And every time, she acted like acknowledging it would make it true. Obviously, not an idea she wanted to entertain at all. 

“I’d better get out there and greet the kids.” Nick strode from the room. “See you in a few.”

The unease between them would pass as soon as she carried out the platter of cookies. A little time between her and the suggestion. Time worked for him too. By then, his racing heart would calm. The elves had danced too close to the truth. With Jules’s distaste for even the idea of a relationship, the last thing he needed was someone guessing his secret. 

Nick Eckert was in love with Julie Clarke.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About The Authors

Amy R. Anguish Sarah Anne Crouch

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. Connect with Amy by visiting abitofanguish.weebly.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers. Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahannecrouch.wordpress.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of three decades. Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer loves growing in her relationship with God and helping others do the same. While she’s served in ministries dealing with toddlers through adults, her focus is on encouraging and challenging teen and adult believers to go further in their faith. She is blessed to be able to use her God-given passion for writing to do this, both in her books and blog. Heather is a pastor’s kid from southern Illinois. While she never intended to marry a pastor, she became a pastor’s wife when her husband answered the call to preach five years into their marriage. Now that three of her four kids have flown the nest, Heather enjoys more time for reading and writing and writing about reading. And when she’s not doing any of those things, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen baking for her friends and family. Connect with Heather by visiting heathergreer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas!

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Book Review — Between The Sound And Sea

12 Nov

Amanda Cox is a must-read author for me. I’ve had Between The Sound And Sea on my NetGalley shelf way too long and was glad that my book club chose it for our November selection. Amanda won the Christy Award for general fiction for this book last week — it is so well-deserved! I loved this book for many reasons. Find out why and all the details about the book below.

Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn’t mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.  
 
As the work begins, “Joey” discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls–pages torn from a lighthouse keeper’s log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there’s never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.
 
When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story–one that’s not over yet.
 
Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel.

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 18 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at http://www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes.

My Impressions:

Between The Sound And Sea by Amanda Cox is a story of regrets and making things right. All of the characters are attempting to do this in a variety of ways, even secondary characters live with regret and the desire to work to fix the past and secure the future. As they all come together to restore a lighthouse and somehow make a broken time whole again, they learn a lot about forgiveness and grace. The setting is the Outer Banks, a place Cox brought to life in her depictions of the isolated islands, the waves of the Atlantic, and the smooth waters of the sound. I felt like I could breathe the salty air and feel the gentle breeze on my face and the sand between my toes. The story revolves around a decommissioned lighthouse that was the site of a tragedy during WWII. (By the way, I learned a lot about how close the war came to American shores.) A lightkeeper and his daughter are lost at sea and legends, rumors, and ghost stories were born. The 3 main characters pursue the mystery as they seek to bring the lighthouse back to its glory. The book takes the reader along a twisting journey that not only solves the mystery, but answers the life questions the characters struggle with. The novel is Christian fiction, yet the faith message is subtle. Yes, God is a big part of the restoration process, but Cox develops that thread naturally without any preachiness.

While my review may be rambling, Between The Sound And Sea is not! It is a well-crafted novel that you will love!

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday — Out of My Comfort Zone

11 Nov

Happy Tuesday! I am an eclectic reader — the only thing I don’t read are spicy books. IYKYK. 😉 It’s easy to read books that fit my parameters when I stick mostly to Christian fiction. So this week’s topic — books out of my comfort zone — was a bit daunting. I do know that I rarely read YA fiction simply because I’m not really the target audience, not because of topic or genre, so I am going to feature a few books that I have read and enjoyed (denoted with an asterisk) and a few that look very interesting. I hope you find one to love!

For more out of the comfort zone lists, head on over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Out of My Comfort Zone

The Charatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers*

Echo Nova by Clint Hall

The June Boys by Court Stevens*

Starlighter by Bryan Davis*

The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin*

Storylore by Mae McKoy

The Text by Julane Fisher

Water’s Break by Sophia L. Hansen

The Whispers of The Wind by Abigail Thompson

Wicked is The Hollow by K. E. Ganshert*

Happy Release Day! — A Love for A Lifetime

11 Nov

Happy Release Day to Lara Van Hulzen. Her newest contemporary romance featuring a married couple is now available!! I love this! Find out all the details below.

Charlie Benson is happy with her life; she just feels a little lost. The empty nest years haven’t been as easy as she thought they might be, and while planning her daughter’s wedding should be fun, it’s become more about appeasing overbearing relatives than her daughter’s happiness. Davis Benson wants nothing more than for his wife to be happy, but since their two kids left for college, things just haven’t been the same. Charlie isn’t her usual bubbly self, and the empty nest years aren’t as fun as he expected.

When a potential real estate deal threatens the small town where they live, and Charlie and Davis risk losing their home, their world feels beyond their control, making it increasingly difficult to find hope. Together, they must find a way to carve a new path unlike the one they imagined, holding tight to what matters most.

Purchase links:

AMAZON NOOK ITUNES KOBO SMASHWORDS

*******

Excerpt

Hey, honey. I’m home!” she hollered as she came through the front door.

​“In here!” Davis’s voice echoed down the hallway from the kitchen.

​Charlie set her purse on the bench inside the door and hung her coat on the rack. She took off her shoes and kicked them under the bench. Padding down the hall in her stocking feet, she found her husband of twenty-five years humming as he opened takeout containers he’d placed on the large island at the center of the kitchen. He hadn’t heard her come into the room yet. She took in the sight of him. Tall with blond hair cut short and blue eyes that reminded her of the lake in summer when the sun hit it just right. With a bright smile that won over everyone he met, Davis personified friendliness. While Charlie could get herself worked up about most anything, Davis was steady. Easy going. Her calm in any storm. Coming home to him was what soothed her most in life.

​He looked up and smiled at her. “Hey, babe.”

​She made her way around the island to him. “Hey.”

​He turned and pulled her into his arms, something he’d done thousands of times over the years. She tucked in against him, her arms around his waist, and sighed.

​“I love it when you do that.” He rested his chin on top of her head.

​“Do what?”

​“When your whole body relaxes when I hold you.”

​Charlie smiled against his chest. “I like that, too.”

​She pulled back and looked up at him. He kissed her softly.

​“I see you got us takeout from Marianny’s,” she said as she turned her head toward the containers on the counter.

​“I did. I figured it would be nice for us not to have to cook tonight.”

​“There are many reasons why I married you. Knowing when I’m not up for cooking and getting us food from Marianny’s is one of them.”

​“Hmm. Not my charm and good looks?”

​“Those are bonuses.” She winked at him and then stepped out of his arms to grab two plates from the cupboard. The sound of his laughter caused any concerns of the day to fade away.

​They dished up food, grabbed silverware, and made their way to the kitchen table. Soft jazz music played from the speaker Davis had installed in the corner of the room. As he set down two wine glasses and poured her a glass, Charlie took a deep breath and soaked in the moment. Yes, having an empty nest was a huge change. And yet, there were nights like this one that reminded her some things don’t change. Some things in life she could still rely on.

​Davis sat beside her and held her hand as he said a small blessing over their meal, then dove into their food. Marianny’s made the best arepas, a popular Venezuelan food Charlie and Davis had fallen in love with when the restaurant opened a few years back. Filled with yummy meat and cheeses, Charlie moaned with pleasure as the flavors danced across her tongue, the warm, gooeyness the best comfort food imaginable.

​“How was work today?” Davis asked once he’d finished his bite of food.

​Charlie took a sip of wine and sat back in her chair. “Interesting. Amber gave me a new listing. I went by, and it needs some work, but…”

“Where is it?” Davis took a sip of wine.

​“It’s a Colonial Revival just outside of town on White Pine Drive.”

​Davis nodded. “I think I know the one you’re talking about. It needs a bit of work, doesn’t it?”

​“It does, but it has good bones.”

​Davis smiled as Charlie took another bite of food.

​They had agreed over the years that having a common interest in architecture and building construction was something they appreciated.

​“Tell me about your day,” Charlie said as she finished her bite and wiped her face with a napkin. The food was delicious—and messy.

​“It was fine.”

​Charlie stopped and stared at Davis, the napkin halfway back to her lap. Davis didn’t say “fine” unless something was up. She placed her napkin and her hands in her lap and looked at her husband, who was doing a tremendous job of avoiding eye contact with her.

​“Davis.”

*******

Writing stories since she was a young girl, Lara Van Hulzen‘s dream of being a novelist became a reality with her Men of Honor series. An avid reader, she worked as a book reviewer for 18 years with various organizations. She has a BA in Journalism and a Masters of Divinity in Chaplaincy. Lara loves tea, baseball and living in Idaho with her husband and Great Dane.

Connect with Lara:
http://www.laramvanhulzen.com
https://linktr.ee/laravanhulzen

Mini-Book Review — Canyon of Deceit

10 Nov

There was a lot going on in DiAnn Mills‘s newest romantic suspense, Canyon of Deceit, and I loved every minute of it! This fast-paced novel features a wilderness survival trainer/guide and a Texas Ranger as they track a kidnapped girl through the high desert of west Texas. They also dodge assassins bullets and uncover a plot by the Russian mafia. Whew! The twists and turns kept the characters and Mills’ readers on their toes. This was pure escape fiction for me. The romance is slow and careful, as the main characters are on different wavelengths spiritually. I appreciated that and the faith thread the author wove naturally through the narrative. Truth without preachiness. If you like to be kept on the edge of your seat while furiously turning the pages, then Canyon of Deceit is for you.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I received a complimentary ebook from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

First Line Friday — To Outwit The All

7 Nov

Happy Friday! Today I am featuring To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau. This historical novel set during the years of the American Revolution focuses on Washington’s Culper Spy Ring. There has been a lot of speculation over the years of the identity of 355, the lady spy who has remained anonymous. I look forward to this intriguing novel! Look for my review later this month.

Here’s the first line:

Preamble

If anyone had asked for my opinion when it all began, we never would have had any sort of revolution.

“Into the Lions’ den I go…”

Betty Floyd’s uncle risked his life when he signed the Declaration of Independence, yet she is the epitome of British loyalty and social grace in 1779. Attempting to ignore the war, she attends New York’s balls and soirees with the Crown’s officers, but the city is a dangerous place for someone with Patriot ties. When a soldier she has befriended is murdered at a British prison, Betty is driven to choose sides and join General Washington’s covert spy group, the Culper Ring.

Her social calendar provides the perfect backdrop to dance with the enemy, and she catches the eye of the charming Major John André, Britain’s Director of Intelligence. Garnering timely information for the Patriots becomes a never-ending balancing act, amid heightened collision between duty to her country and deepening feelings for André. When the slightest misstep could expose her and the entire Ring, a traitorous plot conducted by Benedict Arnold unfolds, and Betty is led to the very brink of death. Will she outwit the enemy, or will her flirtations with danger cost her everything?

PEGGY WIRGAU loves true stories from the past and writes through the eyes of history’s unsung heroines. Her first novel, The Stars in April, is based on the true story of a twelve-year-old Titanic survivor. The book is the recipient of several awards and honors, including a Starred Review from School Library Journal and the Pageturner Award Longlist. Her newest novel, To Outwit Them All, is about the only woman in George Washington’s spy ring during the American Revolution.

Peggy is a Michigan native and she also lived in the states of Washington, Virginia, and Florida before moving to Colorado in 2023. She is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Colorado Authors League, and loves exploring historical sites with her family. Find Peggy at https://www.peggywirgau.com

Follow Peggy Wirgau on social media:

Facebook: @peggywirgauhistoricalfiction Twitter: @PeggyWirgau Instagram: @peggywirgau Goodreads: @Peggy_Wirgau

Mini-Book Review — Queen of Hearts

6 Nov

Heather Day Gilbert has long been one of my favorite mystery writers. Queen of Hearts is a mystery too, but not the cozy type that fans of Gilbert may be used to. This one introduces the reader to a psychological mystery/thriller that will have them checking the locks and leaving the lights on. 😉 I loved the mountainous West Virginia setting that added the right amount of spookiness to the novel. The first person POV is done really well. Alexandra Dubois is autistic and I found her a very intriguing character. And maybe a little unreliable in her narrative. You will just have to decide for yourself. This book has lots of BIG plot twists, so hold on for a fun reading ride. I flew through this book and am pretty sure I need to re-read it. It is that good!

Recommended.

Audience: adults

( I borrowed the ebook from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Her readers love her … but one has gotten a little too attached.

Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an “invested reader” escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she’s not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor’s advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.

Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she’s about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.

Mini-Book Review — Lost Hours

5 Nov

Lost Hours, a romantic suspense novel by Susan Sleeman, was a fun read. The second-chance-at-love trope added a lot to the chemistry between the two main characters, Nolan and Mina. Brought together when a game night turns deadly, the two join forces to solve the murders in the small Pacific Northwest town. I really liked the twists and turns that Sleeman took her characters and readers through. I love solving the crimes along the way as I follow the investigation by the main characters. And the forensic science shared was very intriguing. The novel was fast-paced and kept me turning the pages — I read this one in record time. There is an ensemble cast of characters, so more great books to come! There are 5 books in the Lost Lake Locators series (2 due out in 2026)! I look forward to more great reading ahead.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Protecting his friends has always come first…

When Nolan Orr, founding member of Lost Lake Locators, and his teammates receive a mysterious invitation to a secluded mansion on Lost Island for what seems to be an innocent game night with his closest college friends, he eagerly agrees to attend. Not only to enjoy the event with friends who were more like family to him than his actual family, but to figure out which friend set up the fun but unusual night.

Until he has to consider one of them a suspect for murder.

However, as the evening progresses, he soon realizes that they are pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by a twisted mastermind. Where betrayal and survival go hand in hand, ultimately leading to a missing friend, to murder and a murder investigation that Sheriff Mina Park arrives to take charge of. Problem is, Nolan and Mina had a brief summer fling one year on his visit to the island, and it ended badly. Will she let him into the investigation and work with him, or avoid him as she’s been doing for years?

Susan Sleeman writes the kind of romantic suspense that makes you double-check the locks—and maybe fall a little for the hero.

Her clean, high-octane stories are packed with danger, heart, and just enough faith to light the darkest corners.

With over sixty novels, multiple awards, and more than two million books sold, she knows a thing or two about keeping readers on the edge of their seats—and her FBI and police citizen academy training doesn’t hurt either.

These days, she calls Oregon home, where she juggles plotting crimes (fictional ones, promise), spoiling grandkids, and running The Suspense Zone.

Ready to lose sleep over your next favorite book? Head to Susan’s website.