Review: The Secret Stealers by Jane Healey

The Secret Stealers

by Jane Healey

Publisher: Lake Union Publish

Pages: 443

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Anna Cavanaugh is a restless young widow and brilliant French teacher at a private school in Washington, DC. Everything changes when she’s recruited into the Office of Strategic Services by family friend and legendary WWI hero Major General William Donovan.

Donovan has faith in her—and in all his “glorious amateurs” who are becoming Anna’s fast friends: Maggie, Anna’s down-to-earth mentor; Irene, who’s struggling to find support from her husband for her clandestine life; and Julia, a cheerful OSS liaison. But the more Anna learns about the organization’s secret missions, the more she longs to be stationed abroad. Then comes the opportunity: go undercover as a spy in the French Resistance to help steal critical intelligence that could ultimately turn the tide of the war.

Dispatched behind enemy lines and in constant danger, Anna is filled with adrenaline, passion, and fear. She’s driven to make a difference—for her country and for herself. Whatever the risk, she’s willing to take it to help liberate France from the shadows of occupation and to free herself from the shadows of her former life.

Kritters Thoughts:  Anna Cavanaugh lost her husband early in the war as he was in the Pacific as a doctor and had an accident.  Being a widow she decides that she wants to support herself and contribute to the war efforts.  Working with a family friend she ends up in the OSS as it is in the beginning stages and gets really invested in their mission with the war.  

From the US to France, this book was on the move constantly and for being the length that it is, the story kept moving and I couldn't put it down.  Anna was always in the thick of things and I loved how the story didn't take a breath.  I really enjoyed reading about how the war affects the decisions you make and you really can't make promises to anyone because you can't promise tomorrow.  

I won't spoil it, but there were a few cameos from different people and I loved seeing a few famous faces show up in the book, but I appreciated that this book's perspective was from this unknown as she played her part in the war.  

This is my first Jane Healey read and after loving her writing in this book, I want to read the other two books in her backlist very soon.  

If you enjoyed this book, I would recommend also trying The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck - another book that takes the reader behind the scenes of a woman in the resistance trying to operate a wireless to get supplies to those who need it behind enemy lines.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 21 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Lake Union Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

One of our pups had a medical procedure which made me stop and curl up with her and a book!

A meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. 

Finished this past week:

Small Town Secrets by Alys Murray

Tell No Lies by Allison Brennan

Not Without My Sister by Marion Kummerow

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Currently Reading:

Her Dark Lies by JT Ellison

 

Next on the TBR pile:

The Path to Sunshine Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

Review: A New York Secret by Ella Carey

A New York Secret

by Ella Carey

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 379

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  War forces her to choose a side…

1942, New York. As war rages in Europe, Lily Rose is grateful for her perfect life: a wealthy family who love her and a dream job working uptown as a restaurant chef. Times are changing for women and Lily is determined to run her own kitchen one day. She hopes handsome Tom Morelli, son of Sicilian immigrants, will be at her side. Together they work late, dreaming up delicious meals for New Yorkers struggling with wartime rationing and the threat of sons and sweethearts being called up…

Then Tom receives a devastating telegram that changes everything: he is drafted to fight in Italy.

Suddenly alone, Lily turns to her parents for support. But when her mother finds out about Tom, she is furious. When the war ends, Lily’s duty is to marry the man picked for her, keep house and raise children. They give her a heartbreaking ultimatum: end her relationship with Tom or lose her family and inheritance forever.

In the middle of the war, Lily is left in an impossible position. Will she choose to stay with her family and live the safe life she has always known, or will she follow her heart and her dreams?

Kritters Thoughts:  World War II.  New York City.  Lily Rose comes from a family of wealth that has certain expectations on her for how her future will unfold, but this isn't what she dreams for herself.  She enters a NYC restaurant and is happily working when the men started getting drafted and a large promotion comes her way, but what will happen with the men come home from war?  And especially a certain man that Lily Rose is pining for.

I really enjoyed this book as it took a unique look at NYC during World War II.  Most books set in this time take place across the pond and the impacts that war had in the countries where the war was being fought, but as the United States became involved, it is interesting to see how home life changed and evolved while men of a certain age left to help fight the fight.  

At this point in my reading life, I have read quite a number of World War II books, so I can appreciate when a book takes a different angle and informs me of a different experience during this time period that I have read so much of.  

I have read quite a few of Ella Carey's books and I am a fan that is hoping for many more to come!

A great companion read to this one would be one I recently read and reviewed, The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan as it takes a reader into home kitchens in Europe and women are teaching others how to create meals with the rations provided.  

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 20 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Bookouture.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux

Meant to Be

by Jude Deveraux

Publisher: MIRA

Pages: 416

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Two headstrong sisters are bound by tradition but long to forge their own path.

It’s 1972 and times are changing. In the small farming community of Mason, Kansas, Vera and Kelly Exton are known for their ambitions. Vera is an activist who wants to join her boyfriend in the Peace Corps. But she is doing her duty caring for her widowed mother and younger sister until Kelly is firmly established. Kelly is studying to become a veterinarian. She plans to marry her childhood sweetheart and eventually take over his father’s veterinary practice.

But it’s a tumultuous time and neither sister is entirely happy with the path that’s been laid out for her. As each evaluates her options, everything shifts. Do you do what’s right for yourself or what others want? By having the courage to follow their hearts these women will change lives for the better and the effects will be felt by the generations that follow. 

Kritters Thoughts:  A family saga that spans three generations as they live through history and have most of the typical family and life drama that can take place in one family or another.  The book starts with Vera and Kelly Exton as these sisters are both trying to figure out how they want their lives to unfold and in this time feelings will be hurt and lines will be drawn.  The next two parts follow the lineage of each sister and how the times change.  

I love a book that follows generations and you see families change and evolve and I enjoyed the characters in this book, but for me the plot moved too slow and I honestly got bored a few times while reading.  There were times when reading where I felt as though things could have moved at a better place and the story dragged on.  I was excited when the story changed to the next generation as it poured new energy in, but eventually that one stalled also.  

The writing and setting were good and the characters were enjoyable, so I would read this author again, but would hope for an improvement in pacing and plot evolvement.  I know this author is prolific and I even own a few, so I am surprised to say that this was my first read by her and I hope to try more and see how they go.

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 19 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Harlequin.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

Surviving Savannah

Patti Callahan

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 432

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.

Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions. This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving. 

Kritters Thoughts:  Three narrators in this book, one in present day - Everly Winthrop and two in the past, 1838 - Augusta Longstreet and Lilly Forsyth.  Everly is still dealing with the tragic loss of her best friend in a senseless accident when she is approached to build the exhibit for the Pulaski ship wreck, 180 years later.  Augusta and Lilly were on the Pulaski when it went down and the two have very different stories from their experiences on the ship and the aftermath.  

Known as The Titantic of the South, the Pulaski shipwreck was very deadly and could have possibly been avoided had safety measures been in place and to know that this tragedy spawned laws in the 1800s was so interesting to read.  I had never heard about this event and I have spent a lot of time in the southern region of the United States.  After reading this book, I am spurned to keep reading historical fiction to learn about more historical events that weren't included in my history classes!

For some reason when I read this book, I ended up reading the author's note and the historical facts first and I appreciated knowing those things before reading the book, it didn't ruin the experience.  It reminded me that when I read historical fiction there is still a fictional element and this isn't non fiction which is the ultimate truth, this is just based in truth!    

On that note, I loved having more than one narrator from the shipwreck.  I liked reading two different view points and how each reacted to the tragedy.  Without spoiling too much, I loved how Everly ended up really tied into finding the truth and how that helped her to heal with her own grief.  

Patti Callahan has two other historical fiction stand alones like this one and I would like to read them both soon.  I loved being educated and entertained in the same book!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 18 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Berkley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: The Fragile Ones by Jennifer Chase

The Fragile Ones

by Jennifer Chase

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 299

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When the bodies of eleven and twelve-year-old sisters, Tessa and Megan, are found at the bottom of a ravine—dressed in matching pastel summer outfits, their small bodies broken from the fall—Detective Katie Scott is called to one of the most shocking and heartbreaking crime scenes of her career.

Carefully picking through the fragile remains, Katie makes the first of many disturbing discoveries: the girls were not biological sisters. The youngest, Megan, is a DNA match to a kidnapping case years before. The tiny number burnt into her skin the mark of a terrifying killer intent on keeping count of his collection.

Her PTSD from the army triggered, Katie is left reeling as she maps other missing children in the local area. Has this twisted soul found a way to stay nearby his victims? Could he be watching now as Katie hits one dead end after another?

A wild storm building, matching a fiber found during the autopsy to a nearby boatyard is the break Katie needs. But when another girl goes missing, just as lightning strikes and the power goes out, Katie only has her instincts, her team and her service dog to rely on. As time runs out for Katie to finds the stolen child alive, who will become the next number on this monster’s deadly list?

Kritters Thoughts:  Detective Katie Scott works in a small town in California and while showing a documentary film crew around the more rugged parts of their town, they end up finding two small bodies that ended up being of two sisters that had been missing for two years, but the story behind the story is these sisters are not biological sisters and this sends their investigation down a road they would never had predicted.   

I read this book right after I read another murder/mystery about young women, so it was hard to read these two back to back, but I was glad that there was more to this story than the mystery trying to be solved.  There was some great character development about Detective Katie Scott as she was confronting demons from her past.  I also can't help loving a book that has a great German Shepherd in it as I am a proud dog mom of two from this great breed, seeing them in action in this book was so great to read.    

I didn't know when I signed up to read this book that it was book 5 in a series and while the mystery itself was contained within this novel, I could tell throughout the book that the main character was hinting at events of the past and I felt a little left out jumping in the middle of the series - BUT I was intrigued enough and enjoyed the book where I want to go back and start this series at book one and get caught up in hopes that another one comes after this one.  

I really hope I can get into the backlist of this series and find out how Katie got to the point where this book begins.  

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 25 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Bookouture.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

A good week of reading until a large home improvement job finished and I turned to putting the house back together!

A meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. 

Finished this past week:

The Girl From Versailles by Meghan Masterson

A Punchable Face by Colin Jost (audiobook)

Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham

The Fragile Ones by Jennifer Chase

Currently Reading:

Small Town Secrets by Alys Murray

Next on the TBR pile:

Tell No Lies by Allison Brennan

Review: A Child of My Own by Vanessa Carnevale

A Child of My Own

by Vanessa Carnevale

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 344

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  You love your friend. But what she wants could break your heart.

Isla and Ben are devoted parents to their beloved daughter, Reese. She is their little miracle, the child they thought they’d never have until donors made her existence possible. But Isla has never told Reese about her biological parents. She wants to be honest with her daughter, but can she bear to open up old wounds?

Then Isla receives a call from Lucy, once her closest friend and the donor who made her dreams come true, and it seems she may need to make a decision sooner than she thought. They haven’t spoken in almost ten years, but Lucy has devastating news: she has lost her beloved husband Nate, just after they decided they wanted to become parents after all.

Heartbroken for her friend, Isla welcomes Lucy back into her life. But then Lucy comes to Isla with a request that changes everything. If Lucy gets what she wants, Isla’s perfect family could be destroyed. But would she deny the woman who helped her become a mother the chance for her own happiness?

Kritters Thoughts: Isla and Ben and Lucy and Nate used to be a foursome that did everything together and Lucy and Nate made Isla and Ben's biggest dream of parenthood a reality with a donation.  Reese is the daughter that Isla and Ben wished for for a long time, but Reese doesn't know the hurdles they leapt to become parents and maybe the truth will come out and change all of their lives.  

This book took place in Australia, a country that I visited once and have dreamt for a long time to return.  I really appreciated reading this book about fertility laws in another country and the custody of embryos and seeing how a different country is dealing with technology advancing faster than law.  

For me while I was reading this book, I had a post it note with the characters, so I could keep the couples straight.  There were a few moments in the book where I kept mixing up the who was with who and who's mother was who and the characteristics of that mother - they played big roles in the book and in the character's lives.  

This was my first read of Vanessa Carnevale and I would like to dive into her backlist and read more and hope for more in the future!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 17 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Bookouture.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: To Catch a Dream by Audrey Carlan

To Catch a Dream

by Audrey Carlan

Publisher: HQN

Pages: 320

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When their mother passed away, Evie Ross and her sister were each given a stack of letters, one to be opened every year on their birthday; letters their free-spirited mother hoped would inspire and guide them through adulthood. But although Evie has made a successful career, her desire for the stability and security she never had from her parents has meant she’s never experienced the best life has to offer. But the discovery of more letters hidden in a safe-deposit box points to secrets her mother held close, and possibly a new way for Evie to think about her family, her heart and her dreams.

Kritters Thoughts:  Evie Ross is the older sister by two years and the sister that stayed in Colorado and was deeply affected by both her mother and her sister at different times running away from home to find themselves.  Always feeling as though she was the one that was left behind, these feelings have altered her life.  

I read and reviewed the first book in this series yesterday and commented on the excessive sex scenes, while this book had less sex scenes for me it had less plot also.  I wish that Evie Ross had more of a plot when it came to her professional career, I think that would have made the book feel fuller.    

The one promising part of this book came at the end and would cause a bunch of spoilers, but gosh darn if it made me want to read the third book to complete the trilogy and find out the final situation in this family.   

I will wait for the next installment and read it, so I can say I have completed the series and see where these sisters end up.

Rating: not such a good read

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 20 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Harlequin.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: What the Heart Wants by Audrey Carlan

What the Heart Wants

by Audrey Carlan

Publisher: HQN

Pages: 318

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  “Fly free.”

For ten years those words, written on pink parchment paper in her mother’s beautiful handwriting, have been Suda Kaye Ross’s guiding star. Every year on her birthday, Suda Kaye opens another of the letters her mother penned before she passed, heeding the advice inside as she fills her life with experiences. From Italy to Australia, from Rio to Russia, she’s slaked her wanderlust. And then, on her twenty-eighth birthday, she opens the letter that sends her home.

Returning to Colorado means confronting everything—and everyone—she left behind, including her cherished sister, Evie, and her first love, Camden Bryant. Suda Kaye and Cam spent four years and one unforgettable night together. Given the way she ran out on him, it’s no surprise that he’s wary, resentful…and engaged to someone else. Evie, hardworking and überresponsible, just wants her sister to put down roots at last.

For Evie’s sake, and her own, Suda Kaye is trying to build a new life, all the while wondering whether it’s too late to come back home—or if the most important part of her never really left.

Kritters Thoughts:  Suda Kaye has returned home to Colorado after spending 10 years traveling and following the lead of her deceased mother's letters she left her.  She left town abruptly 10 years ago and another letter has sent her home to plant roots and make a home for the first time.  

When I saw this book on netgalley awhile ago, I was intrigued by the synopsis, but from the first few pages this book just didn't live up to the hype that I created.  From the first chapter to the end, there were lots of sexy times and for me when I read romance I like the plot to take precedence with a few sexy hints throughout the book - this book was just jam packed with sexy times, but I did enjoy the plot of Suda Kay returning home and deciding to planting roots and how that impacted those around her.  

I can say if this is how you like your romance books, then I would recommend this read.  I did enjoy the characters and the plot was ok, but wish there was less lusting.  

Rating: not such a good read

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 16 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Angels Burning by Tawni O'Dell

Angels Burning

by Tawni O'Dell

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 288

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  On the surface, Chief Dove Carnahan is a true trailblazer who would do anything to protect the rural Pennsylvanian countryside where she has lived all fifty of her years. Traditional and proud of her blue-collar sensibilities, Dove is loved by her community. But beneath her badge lies a dark and self-destructive streak, fed by a secret she has kept since she was sixteen.

When a girl is beaten to death, her body tossed down a fiery sinkhole in an abandoned coal town, Dove is faced with solving the worst crime of her law enforcement career. She identifies the girl as a daughter of the Truly family, a notoriously irascible dynasty of rednecks and petty criminals.

During her investigation, the man convicted of killing Dove’s mother years earlier is released from prison. Still proclaiming his innocence, he approaches Dove with a startling accusation and a chilling threat that forces her to face the parallels between her own family’s trauma and that of the Trulys.

Kritters Thoughts:  Chief Dove Carnahan is the chief of police and in this small country town in Pennsylvania most of the policing is minor bumps and bruises, but one day a body of a young girl is found and the whole town is turned upside down.  

This book was such a great mix of small town people drama and mystery that was engaging from page one.  I read this in one day and it was just the right length and pacing for a great mystery thriller with a side of drama!  

Dove Carnahan was a fun woman to follow through this story.  Her history with this town and the way she approached the investigation was entertaining.  I loved the dynamics of Dove and the people of this town - the dueling families and how they all wove together was just great.  For me there were a few pages where I had to reread to make sure I had everyone's family relationships and love relationships all straight!  

Published back in 2016, I am frustrated with myself that I just now read it and even more sad that the author hasn't written a novel since.  I want more from this author!  

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: The Speed of Light by Elissa Grossell Dickey

The Speed of Light

by Elissa Grossell Dickey

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 290

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Simone is trying her best not to think of what she’s lost. Diagnosed with MS, she awaits the results of another anxiety-inducing MRI. She’s just walked away from Connor, “a fixer” but possibly the love of her life. And nearing the holidays, the sights and sounds of winter in South Dakota only prick memories of better years gone by. Then, on a December morning at the university where she works, jarring gunshots pierce the halls. In a temporary safe place and terrified, Simone listens and pretends this will all be over soon.

As she waits for silence, her mind racing, Simone’s past year comes into focus. Falling in love and missing it. Finding strength in family and enduring friendships. Planning for the future, fearing it, and hoping against hope in dark places. Her life has been changing at the speed of light, and each crossroad brought Simone here, to this day, to endure the things she can’t control and to confront those that she can.

Kritters Thoughts:  A riveting story that has two storylines from the perspective of one character.  Simone has recently been diagnosed with MS and she is still trying to figure out how to react to this chronic diagnosis.  In the same story, at the university where she works there is a shooting taking place and she must react in order to check on her co workers and also try to figure out who is doing this.    

What I loved most about this book was that I saw this character go through the acceptance of a disease, MS, and the limitations that eventually her body will make on her.  I know very little about MS and appreciate when fiction can enlighten me in a soft and easy way without all of the science.  I care more about reading about the feelings of diagnosis and how someone comes to grips with the path that their life will now lead.  

The way the author laid out the book kept me turning pages.  We go back in time a year before the shooting and read about Simone as the year unfolds and leads up to the shooting and the events of that day while at the same time the shooting slowly unfolds throughout the book.  For me this was a really satisfying way to keep me reading to the end and gave the book a little mystery as I was trying to find out who the shooter was alongside Simone.  

I was excited to learn when I finished that this was a debut book written by an author who is living with MS and I really hope there are more books to come from her!  

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2021 Challenge: 15 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Lake Union Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

February - for the love of books

source

February started on the high from January, but ended on a slower month with an increase of work and home projects!  I am hoping that March will be a great end to the first quarter of 2021 and I will keep on the road of having the best reading year yet!

1. The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery

2. The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

3. Cape May by Chip Cheek

4. Angels Burning by Tawni O'Dell

5. Helen in Love by Rosie Sultan

6. The Road to Becoming by Jenny Simmons

7. The Girl in the Missing Poster by Barbara Copperthwaite

8. Almost Famous Women by Megan Mayhew Bergman

9. The Speed of Light by Elissa Grossell Dickey

10. The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close

11. Bring Me Back by BA Paris

12. Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah

13. A Child of My Own by Vanessa Carnevale

14. What the Heart Wants by Audrey Carlan

15. Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

16. Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux

17. To Catch a Dream by Audrey Carlan

18. A New York Secret by Ella Carey

19. The Secret Stealers by Jane Healey

Total pages read, clicked and flipped: 6,973

Where having I been Reading?:

Walla Walla, WA

England (2)

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Lincolnshire, England

South Dakota

Washington, D.C.

Africa

Australia

Colorado (2)

Savannah, GA

Kansas

New York City, NY

Paris, France