Review: House of Wind: A Novel by Laura DeNooyer

 

House of Wind: A Novel

by Laura DeNooyer

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction

ASIN: B0H9Y6CZDD

Paperback ISBN 979-8-9965063-1-6

eBook ISBN 979-8-9965063-0-9

Blurb: 

Not all abuse leaves bruises. Not all prisons have bars.

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys.

Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire--with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see--and no one would believe.

How do you escape when no one thinks you need to?

For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid. Until one night forces her to choose between the life she has built . . . and the truth she can no longer ignore.

Her husband's warning echoes: "Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes."

But what if the storm is the only way out?

This powerful novel exposes the reality of emotional abuse—and the courage it takes to break free. Readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction with emotional depth will appreciate this novel in the vein of Amanda Cox, Katie Powner, Susie Finkbeiner, and Erin Bartels.

Perfect for readers who love:

Emotionally powerful women’s fiction

Stories of resilience and personal transformation

Complex faith journeys

Portrayals of real-life relationship struggles

Trailer: 

About Laura DeNooyer: 

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. As a Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and a multi-award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Laura has served as president of her American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Visit Laura’s Standout Stories website & blog at lauradenooyer-author.com

Visit Journey to Imagination blog here.

For writing updates, tips, freebies, recipes, giveaways, anecdotes, and book recommendations, join Laura’s monthly newsletter at 

A-Taste-Of-Oz-Cookbook-Sampler.com

Amazon author profile

Bookbub author profile

Goodreads author profile

My Reveiw: 

It always has been a pleasure to read Laura DeNooyer's books. It was exciting to have the opportunity to read her newest, House of Wind. It was just exactly what I would expect from this author. I loved Wendi from the start. My heart went out to her as experiences abuse behind closed doors, while it seems as though she has the perfect life to the world. I admired her in doing what she had to do to protect herself, her peace, and her family. I thought this was a wonderful book to read, with some valuable life lessons. 

I am going to give House of Wind five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean contemporary fiction. I am looking forward to more releases from Laura DeNooyer in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Laura DeNooyer's House of Wind from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: The Melody of Love by Wanda E Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

The Melody of Love 

by Wanda E Brunstetter and 

Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach

Blurb: 

Amelia Wasn’t Looking for Love.
 
A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.

My Review:

I really loved reading The Melody of Love from the writing team, Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach. I enjoyed meeting Amelia Miller and Christian Yoder. I thought they had great chemistry with one another and it was fun seeing their interactions. I wanted to keep reading to find out how they will be navigate whether or not they can spend a life together. 

Five stars is what I believe The Melody of Love deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean Amish fiction, as well as, clean romance. I would love to read more from the collaboration of  Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach in the future.

I received a copy of Brunstetter and Van Corbach's The Melody of Love Barbour Publishing, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

 

Review: Dolley and James: A Story of Love, Power, Unity, and America's First Lady by Rebecca DeMarino

Dolley and James:
A Story of Love, Power, Unity, and America's First Lady
by Rebecca DeMarino

Blurb: 

History takes a lovely turn when Anglican James Madison, the congressman from Virginia, notices the young Dolley Payne Todd—whose beauty cannot be hidden under her austere Quaker dress. Dolley struggles with the grief. For James, love blooms. When Dolley finally embraces her loss, she discovers the transformative power of love and chooses life—a life that includes James. That decision will unlock doors, change lives, and even change the course of a nation. As the British march on Washington City, an act of love and courage exemplifies the bravery and selflessness of James’s beloved Dolley, who would become the first to be known as America’s First Lady.

My Review: 

I have been trying to be patiently waiting for Rebecca DeMarino to release a new novel. After nearly a decade, she has released Dolley and James: A Story of Love, Power, Unity, and America's First Lady. What a perfect way to celebrate out country's 250th since our Independence. I have kept her previous books on my limited keeper shelf  and this one will be placed right along with them. I loved reading about Dolley and James Madison and seeing the author's vision of how they met, courted, married, and eventual living in the White House. It was fun meeting them, as well as, the other important people from our history. I thought it was a great story to read and I felt like I was right there with the two and seeing the events they lived through unfold in front of my eyes. 

I am going to give Dolley and James: A Story of Love, Power, Unity, and America's First Lady a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction, particularly American History. I am, once again, eagerly awaiting new releases from Rebecca DeMarino in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Rebecca DeMarino's Dolley and James: A Story of Love, Power, Unity, and America's First Lady from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Review: A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H Gabhart

A Chance for Kallie Mae

by Ann H Gabhart

Blurb:

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away when her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a moonlight school for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that dream.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible until her frantic search through the woods for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn--their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect.

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart brings history and romance from the Appalachian Mountains to life in her newest Southern fiction novel.




Review:

I am a huge fan of Ann H Gabhart and her stories. The past several springs, I have been eagerly waiting for her newest release. It was an honor to have a chance to get my hands on the latest, A Chance for Kallie Mae. I adored Kallie Mae and meeting her family and Quinn. My heart went out to the two and was hoping things would change for them so they can continue the plans they had for a long time. I loved this story and did not want it to end. Love it.

I am going to give A Chance for Kallie Mae a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical Appalachian romance. I am already looking forward to the next release from Ann H. Gabhart.

I received a paperback copy of Ann H Gabhart's A Chance for Kallie Mae from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Review: Bride by Betrayal (Moonlight & Magnolia Series) by Debbie Lynne Costello

Bride by Betrayal
(Moonlight & Magnolia Series)

by Debbie Lynne Costello

Blurb:

When Pierce Ravenel walks into Grace Ferguson’s small world, her quiet existence changes forever. Pierce works beside her in an impoverished orphanage and she finds him an honorable man, one she’d love to spend the rest of her life with. But when Pierce’s secret is revealed, Grace must find the forgiveness that he denied her father.
Bound by an eleven-year-old promise to his brothers, Pierce Ravenel steps off the train in Savannah, Georgia to ruin the man who killed his parents. As the oldest son, the job of avenging his parents falls to him. Doubts about his plans had begun to haunt him with each mile of track he’d crossed. And they’re only magnified when he meets the man’s kindly daughter. Pierce must choose between going against his brothers’ wishes as well as destroying everything he’s worked for, or giving up his one chance at love.

My Review: 

After nearly three years trying to be patiently waiting, I am excited to once again to have a new release from Debbie Lynne Costello. I have adored her writing since the beginning and even have kept all her books on my limited keeper shelf. Bride by Betrayal does not disappoint. It was a delight to dive back into the Moonlight and Magnolia Series with this third installment. From page one, I was hooked with Grace and Pierce's story. There are a few twists and secrets to be revealed that kept me reading on. I thought it was a beautiful tale of love, forgiveness and faith. I loved it.

Bride by Betrayal will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting the next release from Debbie Lynne Costello.

I received a digital copy of Debbie Lynne Costello's Bride by Betrayal from the author, but was not required to post a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Falling Leaves: An Inspector Inoue Mystery by Lea O'Hara

Falling Leaves: An Inspector Inoue Mystery by Lea O'Harra

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Falling Leaves is a murder mystery divided into two parts. The story begins in the autumn of 1983 in a small coastal town in Japan and describes the abduction of a thirteen-year-old girl on her way home from school. Mei Noguchi has been kidnapped – like many of her compatriots in the late seventies and early eighties – to teach Japanese language and customs to North Korean spies. Her parents spend decades in ignorance of the fate of their beloved daughter.

The second part of the story takes place forty years later. Mei Noguchi’s family has unsuccessfully campaigned for her release for over twenty years while, on another Japanese island, in another small town, the police are called on to investigate the death of Tomoko Gammo, a half-Japanese, half-Korean female university student at the local university found hanged in her dorm room. Interviews with Tomoko’s friends and professors reveal an atmosphere of whispered prejudice, academic pressure, and ideological conflict, with reports the student was bullied because her father was North Korean.

The local police at first suspect suicide, never dreaming that this death could possibly be connected to the fortieth anniversary of Mei Noguchi's disappearance. Chief Inspector Inoue and his trusted team of detective inspectors face their most challenging case yet in a race against time to apprehend the culprit before more lives are lost.

My Review:

I have previously read books from Lea O'Hara, however I had not yet been introduced to her Inspector Inoue Mysteries series. I was honored to have that opportunity by reading the fourth installment, Falling Leaves. Oh my, I thought this was a great ride to take for a few hours. It was like being on a roller coaster with the suspense, twists, and turns. I never knew what was going to happen from scene to scene. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing how they were able to solve the cold case.

I am going to give Falling Leaves five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read crime novels, as well as, suspenseful mysteries. I would love to read the other books within the Inspector Inoue Mysteries series to see what happened prior to this one.

I received a digital copy of Lea O'Hara's Falling Leaves from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele

 

A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Love Is Not for Sale
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
Despite knowing her parents are getting desperate for their only child to marry and give them grandchildren, Salina Stoltzfus is weary of seeking the perfect match. Every time she thinks she has found “the one,” he marries another.
 
The best way to forget you are the last woman any man in Havenlee, Indiana, wants to hitch his buggy too is to find something passionate to focus on. When the area is overrun with donations after a tragic storm, Salina suggests opening a consignment shop. The deacon supports the idea and offers his visiting nephew to help set things up.
 
After the embarrassment of having his fiancée call off their wedding, Seth Weaver takes his mother’s advice to leave Kentucky to stay with his uncle for a while. Unfortunately, Seth knows nothing about building furniture in his uncle’s factory, which is the only reason he agrees to help ready the consignment shop next door—not because of the little chatterbox working inside.
 

When Salina’s parents are caught meddling in her love life, she comes up with a crazy idea that might gain her some time and space. Could it be the road to happiness is paved with good intentions and epic fails—until we cross paths when the one made especially for us?

My Review: 

I have had the pleasure in reading most of the installments from the multi author series, The Heart of the Amish. I was happy to have the opportunity to read book twelve, Mindy Steele's A Heart on Consignment. I enjoyed the sweet story between Seth and Salina. It was an honor to take this journey with the two and seeing how it would end for them.

I am going to give A Heart on Consignment four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who love to read clean Amish romance. I would love to read more from Mindy Steele and hope to catch up and read the books I have missed in The Heart of the Amish series.

I received a paperback copy of Mindy Steele's A Heart on Consignment from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter

The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

My Review: 

Wanda E Brunstetter is my go to when I am wanting to read an Amish / Mennonite book. It was an honor to be chosen to read her newest, The Beginner's Quilt. I was excited to find out it was a prequel to one of my favorites written by her, The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club series. I loved going back in time and meeting the young Emma Bontrager. I loved the twist that I did not expect about halfway through. I was instantly hooked and had to finish it to find out how it would end. I loved it.

I would have given The Beginner's Quilt one hundred stars if I could have. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean and sweet Amish Romance. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting the next release from Wanda E. Brunstetter in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Wanda E Brunstetter's The Beginner's Quilt from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer

 

Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters Book #1)

by Karen Witemeyer 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

My Review: 

Karen Witemeyer is among my favorite historical fiction authors and I was excited to find out that she was releasing a new series called The Secret Society of Spinsters. I was honored to have a chance to read the first book, Taming Lady Temperance. It was a joy go back in time to the western frontier and meeting the main characters, Noreen and James. I thought the two had great chemistry and was a delight seeing how the two interacted with one another. Even though the story was from a different moment in time, it still covers issues that still affect in the present day. It was a great reminder of the power of forgiveness, love, determination, and faith. I loved every single page.

I am going to give Taming Lady Temperance a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance. I am eagerly awaiting for the release for the next installment from The Secret Society of Spinsters series to find out what Karen Witemeyer has in store for her readers, characters, and fans.

I received a paperback copy of Karen Witemeyer's Taming Lady Temperance from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Welcoming the Spirit of God: to Fill and Overflow Your Life by John Avery

Welcoming the Spirit of God: to Fill and Overflow Your Life

John Avery

Blurb: 

Like leaky vessels, we need continuous topping up.

Do you have unanswered questions about the Holy Spirit? Is He a rather mysterious third person of the Trinity to you? Perhaps your practices are based on misconceptions.

Use these stimulating devotionals to help you reflect on the Holy Spirit, free from denominational bias. Whether you come from a Pentecostal, charismatic, or cessationist background, or somewhere in between, this book will guide you to a broader experience of the Spirit of God.

Add these reflections on key Bible passages to your devotional times with the Lord. As you contemplate each piece, let God speak to you through His word and answer questions many people we pray to the Holy Spirit or not?What does it mean to be Spirit-filled or born again?Are the gifts of the Spirit and supernatural miracles for today?Why all the fuss about speaking in tongues?Does anyone call Him the Holy Ghost these days?What are the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit?

Welcoming the Spirit of God is part of the Sparks Series of thought-provoking devotionals.

My Review: 

Welcoming the Spirit of God: to Fill and Overflow Your Life is a wonderful introduction to the talented author, John Avery. I enjoyed reading these reflections of the Holy Spirit. Those lead busy lives can easily read each reflection each day to kick the day off with faith and motivation. 

I am going to give Welcoming the Spirit of God: to Fill and Overflow Your Life five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read about the power of the Holy Spirit and searching for inspiration and encouragement. I would be interested in reading more like this one from John Avery in the future.

I received a digital copy of John Avery's Welcoming the Spirit of God: to Fill and Overflow Your Life from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep

 

The Bird of Bedford Manor 

by Michelle Griep

Blurb: 

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
 
Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it romanceclever turn-of-phrasecolorfully memorable characterscharming British setting

My Review: 

The Bird of Bedford Manor is yet another fabulous release from Michelle Griep. I loved going back in time to the 1820s England and meeting Henry and Juliet. I enjoyed taking this journey with the two. Their story had a perfect mix of action, danger, mystery, suspense, and romance. It was easy for me to keep reading from chapter to chapter to find out how it would end for this duo. 

I am going to give The Bird of Bedford Manor a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance, particularly Regency era. As always, I will be on the look out for more exciting historical adventure from Michelle Griep in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Michelle Griep's The Bird of Bedford Manor from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Healing Joints and Nerves: Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies by Thomas E. Buchheit, MD

 

Healing Joints and Nerves:
Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies

Thomas E. Buchheit, MD

In Healing Joints and Nerves: Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies (January 13, 2026), Duke pain medicine expert Dr. Thomas Buchheit reveals a groundbreaking truth: inflammation isn’t the enemy—it’s the body’s key to healing. Drawing on 25 years of research and patient care, Dr. Buchheit explains how regenerative therapies, nutrition, and exercise can activate the body’s own repair systems to relieve arthritis and nerve pain—offering new hope to the 70 million Americans seeking alternatives to drugs and surgery.

My Review: 

I found Healing Joints and Nerves: Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies to be insightful. Author, Thomas E. Buchheit, MD, gives readers different they can manage their own pain relating to joints and nerves. As I age, I have been experiencing more pain in my joints and have been finding different ways to manage it. I learned a lot by reading this book. It is full of facts, diagrams, graphs, and pictures. I liked that there is an index in the back for easier referencing to find a specific information I am searching.

I believe Healing Joints and Nerves: Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies to be a five star read. I recommend it for readers who are searching for ways to manage their pain. This one is a keeper.

I received a paperback copy of Thomas E. Buchheit, MD's Healing Joints and Nerves: Immune Stimulation and the New Science of Regenerative Therapies from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Keeper of My Heart by Traci Borum

 

Lexi Price runs an antiques shop she inherited from Gigi, her great-grandmother, in the charming Texas town of Morgan’s Grove. When Lexi stumbles on a mysterious necklace once owned by Gigi, she becomes curious about the secrets her great-grandmother may have been hiding from the family.

Lexi enlists the help of Graham Faulkner, a handsome history professor with an affinity for World War II-era memorabilia. Together, they unravel clues about the necklace and discover that the mysteries run even deeper than they realized. Their search takes them on a quest that spans eight decades and multiple generations.

As they work, Lexi and Graham grow closer, but Lexi’s relationship hang-ups stand in the way. Will Lexi’s past prevent her from accepting the same once-in-a-lifetime love Gigi discovered all those years ago?

My Review: 

I had the pleasure in reading the first two books from Traci Borum's Morgan's Grove series, Love Starts Here and Meet You Under the Stars. I was honored to have the opportunity to read the third installment, Keeper of My Heart. I believe this may be my favorite of the three. It was a delight getting to know Lexi and Graham. I thought they had great chemistry. I felt like Lexi was relatable and I understood what she had gone through. Overall, I found this to be a wonderful and sweet story to read.

I am going to give Keeper of My Heart five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean romantic fiction. I would love to have the opportunity to read more books from the Traci Borum in the near future.

I received a digital copy of Traci Borum's Keeper of My Heart from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Last of the Autumn Rain by Diana Louise Webb

Last of the Autumn Rain by Diana Louise Webb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

"An engrossing tale of an uncanny and sometimes frightening life." — Kirkus Reviews

It was Friday night, September 2, 1983. Julie Cromwell will never forget that shocking day when she lost her best friend, Candice Wentworth, in an upscale oyster bar. No, Candice had not disappeared. She had died when the club’s suspended dance floor gave way, a sudden and seemingly random tragedy, casting 500+ dancers to their deaths in a 30-foot drop.

Her life ignobly snuffed out at the young age of 32, Candice exemplified a fun-loving lifestyle and a warm kindred spirit—possessing all the requisite traits for a promising future. She never entertained a trace of ill will toward anyone. How could something so grisly happen to such a compassionate, enchanting human being?

Julie struggles to make sense of it all, reminiscing as she travels back to her hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. The two had met in Milwaukee and worked as underwriters for The Walden Company. But something went horribly wrong. Julie’s journey is one filled with elation and fear, jealousy and regret, happiness and indignation, and a horrifying act of disloyalty.

An unforgettable, tumultuous ride, Last of the Autumn Rain delivers an introspective and jaw-clenching tale, which not only rocks one’s moral compass, but invites a chilling in a world where the ground can literally fall out from under you, what else might be lurking beneath the surface?

"...this novel is an excellent read for fans of psychological thrillers." — Readers' Favorite

"...For psychological thriller enthusiasts craving a riveting unsettling experience, this novel burrows under the skin and truly delivers a mind-blowing page-turner." — Ghassan Salti

My Review:

Last of the Autumn Rain is the first book from the Broken Reflections series. It is, also, my first experience with the talents of author Diana Louise Webb I thought it was a pretty good book. It was full of action, suspense and mystery. There were plenty of twists that kept me intrigued until the very end. I enjoyed taking this adventure with Julie.


I am going to give Last of the Autumn Rain four and a half stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading thrillers. I am interested in getting my hands on the next installment from the Broken Reflections series to see where else Diana Louise Webb will take her fans to next.

I received a paperback copy of Diana Louise Webb's Last of the Autumn Rain (Broken Reflections) from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

The Red Cottage 

by Hannah Linder

Blurb: 

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

My Review: 

When I saw the cover and read the blurb for The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder, I instantly was intrigued and knew I had to get my hands on it. I was far from being disappointed. I was quickly thrown back in time to 1818 era of Cornwell with Meg and Tom. I thought their story was full of adventure, love, mystery, and suspense. I loved getting to know the two and enjoyed taking this journey with them. 

I believe that The Red Cottage deserves a five star rating. I have no doubt other readers who love to read clean historical regency romance. I would love to read more like this one from Hannah Linder in the future. She has earned herself a new fan here. 

I received a paperback copy of Hannah Linder's The Red Cottage from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: Jenny Kidd by Laury A Egan

 

Jenny Kidd (revised edition)

by Laury A. Egan

Publication Date: October 18, 2025

Spectrum Books, London

ISBN: 978-1-915905-61-1

182 pages. $15.99 paperback, $5.99 eBook

Cover photo: St. Mark’s Square by Thomas Stewart

Available at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FR4GWMKP

“A twisted and sinister affaire macabre.”

—R.D. Hartwell

While spending autumn in Venice, a young American artist, Jenny Kidd, hopes to create a portfolio of paintings to launch her career and establish her independence from her tyrannical father. At the Guggenheim Collec-tion, she encounters Randi, a colorful British woman, who invites her to a masked ball at the Palazzo Barbon. There, she meets the seductive Caterina Barbon and her brother, Sebastiano, who entice Jenny into a world of glittering façades that cloak sexual per-version, art forgery, and murder. As Jenny struggles between her attraction to Caterina and her growing awareness that she is in danger, Jenny discovers an inner strength and spirit worthy of her infamous pirate ancestor.

“A little gem...a top-notch thriller…Jenny Kidd spins its web as languidly as an after-noon by the canals. Egan’s descriptions of the food, the art, and the general atmosphere are as purposeful as they are evocative. Her prose is full-bodied and elegant, and she makes prosecco and prosciutto as sumptuous as the work of Titian and Tintoretto. As delicious as Egan’s writing is when it comes to describing masked balls, four-course lunches, and miniatures painted in pastels, she also knows how to propel a mean action scene. The last twenty pages or so are a breathless rush of dark passageways, tense interrogations, and perfectly executed gore that leave you gasping and satisfied.”

—Jerry L. Wheeler, Out in Print

“A very compelling suspense novel, rife with stunning imagery and shocking plot beats. An eerie, glittering world.”

—Jennica Dotson, author of “A Reaper’s Folly”

“The plot becomes…dizzying in its twists and turns. Not only does this book offer a riveting story, but her sentences have a ca-dence that will carry you along. Once I had reached the half-way point in the book, I found it impossible to put it down.”

—Martha Miller, G & L Review

Laury A. Egan is the author of fifteen novels, including Fair Haven, Jack & I, The Psychologist’s Shadow, and The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers in addition to two collections: Contrary: Stories and a Play and Fog and Other Stories, and four volumes of poetry. Laury is also a fine art photographer, who lives on the northern coast of New Jersey. Website: www.lauryaegan.com 

My Review: 

I have been a fan of Laury A Egan's books for awhile now. I was excited to have the opportunity to read her Jenny Kidd. I was far from being disappointed. Jenny's story had me holding on to the edge of my seat from the start. It was full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. At under two hundred pages, I had it read in one sitting quickly. 

I am going to give Jenny Kidd four and a half stars. I believe those who love to read the genres of thriller, suspense, and mystery will not want to miss out on reading this one. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting more to come from the talented author, Laury A. Egan. 

I received a digital copy of Laury A Egan's Jenny Kidd from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.