Mystery on Hidden Lane (An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 1) by Clare Chase

Eve has been sent to write the obituary of Bernard Fitzpatrick, a cellist. When she arrive  in the village she begins to hear talk that his death may have been a murder. Using her journalist nosiness, she begins on the trail to find the true story.

Eve was a character that was easy to relate to, and who can resist a quaint, little village. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoy light murder mysteries. 

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The Acorn Stories

The Acorn Stories tells about the lives of the people of Acorn, Texas so that it reads like a collection of short stories. I found myself not wanting to put this book down because I quickly felt like I belonged in this town.  The stories tell about a community and how their lives are intertwined, as is the case in most small towns. I loved the glimpses into their lives in a relaxed style. Prepare to sink into a nice comfortable chair and make yourself home in Acorn, Texas.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Where I Found You

This is a well written story about a difficult subject matter.
Ruby is a three year old who doesn't talk much, and depends on routine. Her father walks out on her and her mom, Sara. However, Sara feels like there is something wrong with her little girl. Ruby is diagnosed with autism.
I have read many non-fiction books about autism but this is the first fictional one that grabbed my heart and helped me to see autism from the family perspective. This is so well-done that I felt like I was part of the family from the beginning.
Beautifully written. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read the arc of this story.

I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret Letter

This historical fiction is set during WWII in Germany and England. Magda, one of the main characters lives near Augsburg, Germany on a farm. Her brother, Karl, attends Oxford University. Magda misses her brothers so much, so when she received a letter telling about the war she kept it, even though he asked her to destroy it. This action leads to danger for her family. Magda has also been encouraged to join a German Girls League. Another of the characters, Imogen, who lives in England with her friends. They have all been sent away from home to live in other towns. The story grows by telling each girl's story as the war goes on. Including their plans when they grow up. This story is so moving. It caught at my heart from the beginning. I recommend this book highly. This book was sent to me by NetGalley, and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

The Nurses of Lark Lane by Pam Howes

I was given this book by Bookouture and NetGalley. The review and opinions are my honest words.
This book is part of a series by Pam Howes. I had not read the previous ones but I still enjoyed this book.
This book is set in 1955 in Liverpool, England. Alice has an abusive alcoholic for a husband who uses all of her wages to drink. Cathy is her eldest daughter. Cathy's desire is to be a nurse but the family budget does not allow it. She leaves school to find and work at a job, without qualification.
The characters in this book are very interesting and easy to relate with. Cathy is created with amazing determination and inner strength.
The time period was reflected well throughout the story, also as well as friendships which are built.
I feel that this book is a book that can draw the reader in easily. I didn't want to put it down, once I began it. It definitely left me wanting to know more about the other ladies.
I recommend this book highly.

Dear Lily, by Drew Davies

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher for the purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Joy, in her mid 30s is looking for a new life. She is tired of her boyfriend, her anxiety and depression, many of the things that used to comfort her (cigarettes, food and drink) and she is greatly tired of her job. She has asked to go to the Copenhagen office. As is her nature, Joy is overthinking each step of her life and she is sharing these details in letters to her sister, Lily. Through these letters the reader comes to care for Joy and the changes she is facing.
At first, she does not want to quit her bad habits thinking these changes are to difficult especially when everything else is changing. I found this book so funny as I followed Joy's changes. Joy was very well-written and the author was able to give her a voice and presence.
I do not usually enjoy books about women that are written by a man, but in this case, Drew Davies' writing was smooth and he created a character that feels real an I didn't feel the usually feeling of disappointment when the male perspective is very different from what I think it should be.

Be prepared to be engaged and to laugh when beginning this book

Book Review: Bella's Christmas Bake Off

I love Christmas fiction and this one is as funny as the title states. It also is dangerous to read while reading on an electronic reader as drooling may cause a short, just kidding.

The main character, Amy is a mother of grown children. And as her husband leaves she is on her own at Christmas. She feels a homeless shelter calling her for help. She also discovers her mother's old recipes being used by an old friend Bella, on her own cooking show. Bella is also claiming them as her own.

The characters were so well-written and full of joy. This is a book that is easy to enjoy and will leave the reader laughing out loud.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for my honest review.