Book Review: Miranda Fights by Gail Ward Olmsted

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Miranda Quinn is back in the courtroom working as a legal aid attorney when she’s asked to represent Lennon, the daughter of a high school friend currently serving time in prison. Still struggling with guilt from the role she played in her friend’s downfall, Miranda agrees to help.

The former assistant DA has given up a lucrative career as a legal talk radio host to better serve her community. In her spare time, she volunteers as a counselor for at-risk teens. It’s challenging but rewarding, at least until the young women begin to mysteriously disappear. As Miranda struggles to find out who is responsible, it becomes clear that Lennon is in danger as well. As the police piece together Miranda’s clues, they realize they’re dealing with a much larger and farther-reaching organization than they had expected.

Miranda has faced her share of adversaries, both in and out of the courtroom. To expose the sex traffickers preying on the group of girls she has sworn to protect, she’ll need to keep her eyes and ears open. But to save the one young woman who needs her most, she’ll have to open her heart.

She’s in for the fight of her life.

BOOK REVIEW

Miranda meets Lennon, who is charged with stealing a package of frozen lobster, in a courtroom. They are connected by Lennon’s mother, Charlene, a childhood friend of Miranda’s who still blames her for her descent into drugs and subsequent prison sentence. Miranda’s big crime was kissing Charlene’s crush while in high school. Feeling unnecessary guilt and a responsibility for Lennon, Miranda represents her in court and finds out about a much bigger problem–Lennon’s friends are going missing.

This is an excellent continuation of the Miranda series. I enjoyed Miranda’s relationship with Lennon. Miranda reads as almost like an aunt to Lennon instead of “estranged friend of her mother.” Lennon is a smart young woman who has been through a lot, is living in the system, and is easy to root for. The difficult subject of sex trafficking is explored honestly, and while the reader is shown a culprit early on, there are many layers and levels to this thriller. The vulnerability of those in foster care is an important point in this story. The characters are all well-written, and I felt like Lennon walked straight into my heart. Readers should check out this touching and thrilling novel.

In addition to downloading this book from Kindle Unlimited, I also purchased the audiobook, which was narrated very well by Penny Coffeen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical novel featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Miranda Fights is the third book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. Olmsted enjoys writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after. When not writing, she loves being on the water, especially in a kayak. She is well known for her blonde brownies, and coffee is her love language. For more, visit her on Facebook and Instagram

PURCHASE LINK

*Click the image below to purchase on Amazon.
**Kindle Unlimited subscribers may borrow this for free.

Book Tour and Review: The New Son

BOOK DESCRIPTION

BOOK REVIEW

This is an exciting, heart-pounding thriller with an intriguing premise. Nina is in a not-so-great relationship, which also comes with a rude and ungrateful “stepdaughter.” Then the son she gave up years ago shows up on her doorstep. Is he the key to a new life?

The story is full of twists and turns. The present tense is used, and that’s not my favorite, but it works here. The author uses a plot twist that’s been famously used before, but they give appropriate credit to that work within the story, which I appreciated. The secrets, lies, intrigue, and action are woven well together. Readers should hold onto their hats, the edges of their seats, and possibly their hearts. Overall, this is a compelling psychological thriller that fans of that genre will enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s book tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iain Maitland is the author of three previous psych thrillers for Inkubator Books: The Soulmate, The Perfect Husband and The Girl Downstairs.

Iain is also the author of two memoirs, Dear Michael, Love Dad, a book of letters written to his eldest son who experienced depression and anorexia, and (co-authored with Michael) Out Of The Madhouse.

He has also written a semi-autobiographical novel, The Old Man, His Dog & Their Longest Journey.

He is an Ambassador for Stem4, the teenage mental health charity. He talks regularly about mental health issues in schools and colleges and workplaces.

Find out more about Iain at www.iainmaitland.net  and twitter.com/iainmaitland

BOOK LINKS

AMAZON AMAZON UK

*Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can read this for free.

Book Tour and Review: Ride the Mountain by Patrick Gooch

BOOK DESCRIPTION

BOOK REVIEW

Adam Livesey is a downhill skier, and a good one, but his life is about to take an unexpected turn. When he witnesses the death of his friend, a Russian ski jumper, Anatoly Vasiliev, a few whispered, nonsensical words put Adam in danger.

This is an exciting thriller set in the world of competitive skiing. I knew very little about this sport, but I learned a few things, and it was so interesting to follow the life of a competitive skier. I particularly enjoyed the way that skiing was combined with the Russian mafia and politics to create a compelling thriller. There’s even a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance that fans of that genre will enjoy. This novel has many clever twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at times when you think the story is over–it’s not. Skiers and fans of thrillers will love this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(In His Own Words)

I studied History of Art, and lectured at the Central School of Art and Design in London. However, marketing was my main occupation; and in this role I have worked for a number of German, American and British companies.

Latterly, I joined the family trade development company, working principally with government departments of foreign countries. To relieve the tedium of long-haul flights and the four walls of rooms in impersonal hotels, I turned to writing.

Over time, I amassed a number of manuscripts, which were stored in the metaphorical bottom drawer. The number grew until, in exasperation, my wife declared I should either attempt to get them published, or she would.

In fact, she did submit the first novel; and, to date, ten have been published.

Patrick’s Social Media:

Twitter | Goodreads

BUY LINK

*Click on cover below for the buy link.

WWW Wednesday: What Are You Reading 12/27/23

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking On a World of Words. 

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

CURRENT READ

This is the latest Eve Dallas. I’m only about halfway through, but it is COMPELLING. Teenagers are being murdered at clubs, and Eve is on the trail of the killer, who is injecting teens with a lethal substance while they dance, and then slipping away.

JUST FINISHED READING

I did a lot of reading while I was off for Christmas. 

CHRISTMAS PIE is another Christmas Story by Jodi Taylor, who always releases a short story on Christmas Day. This is my favorite one ever! For the last several years I’ve enjoyed the Christmas tradition of reading Jodi’s latest story, and I thank her for that. My review is here.

THE WOMAN IN ME by Britney Spears should scare the crap out of you, especially if you don’t have trustworthy people in your life. My review is here.

CHARLIE HUSTLE by Keith O’Brien shares all the dark secrets about Pete Rose, who I still think should be in the Hall of Fame. This isn’t published until April, so my review will come later.

WHAT AM I READING NEXT?

Publisher’s Description: 

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family–French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral–are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America’s borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William’s, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

I will start this soon. I’m doing a blog tour for this book with Austenprose PR later this month.

Inspired by the true events of the most notorious evictions in Irish history…

1861, Donegal, Ireland

Ten years ago Declan Conaghan’s father died in the Great Famine, and since then, Declan has kept his promise to keep his family out of the workhouse. But all that is threatened with the arrival of new landlord, John Adair. Adair is quick to cause trouble and fear among his tenants. When he turns them off his land, Declan has no option but to break his promise…

Declan is in despair until he receives a letter from America offering him the chance of a new life and salvation for his family. But it would mean signing up to the US Army and fighting for Lincoln. Despite knowing nothing of war, or US politics, Declan leaves behind all he knows.

Set against the wild landscapes of Ireland and the turbulent times of the American Civil War, this sweeping narrative takes us on an epic journey to understand the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

This is the only book on my Netgalley shelf that is late, but I also picked up the audiobook and I’ll be listening to it soon.

UPDATE

Christmas was wonderful. I’m back to work, but luckily I can listen to audiobooks while I drive, and that helps me keep up with my reading. Looking forward to New Year’s and the Rose Bowl. ROLL TIDE!!!

Two mini reviews: Identity and The Tapestry of Grace

Below are mini-reviews of two very different books: Identity by Nora Roberts and The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Identity is a thriller and The Tapestry of Grace is Christian Historical Fiction. Click on the covers for buy links and book descriptions on Amazon. Mini-reviews are just a slightly condensed version of the reviews I usually provide.

IDENTITY AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

This is a very compelling thriller that was hard to put down. I connected with the characters immediately and the villain is oh, so very evil. I was kept enthralled throughout the whole book. The ups and downs of the main character were heartbreaking, but her resilience was inspiring. I loved the entire supporting cast.

The narrator of the audiobook, January LaVoy, did a fantastic job giving distinct personalities and voices to the characters she portrayed. I would seek out her work again.

This is a book for readers who enjoy strong women characters and I hope you pick it up.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press and MacMillan Audio via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

THE TAPESTRY OF GRACE BOOK REVIEW

This is a heartwarming Christian novel set in Alexandertol, Kansas, in 1895. Augusta Dyck, a widow and mother who is also the town’s teacher, becomes a part of a new Frauenverien, a group of women in the Mennonite church who band together to help provide for widows and orphans. Augusta immediately begins petitioning the group to help Konrad Rempel, a widower with twin boys. She can tell he needs someone to care for the boys while he is working as a blacksmith. Konrad, however, is reluctant to receive help. The group’s overbearing leader, Martina Krahn, suggests an apprenticeship for one of the twins with her husband, a wainwright. But she has ulterior motives, hoping a child will save her marriage and give her husband something that she cannot.

The town of Alexandertol is based on the German Mennonite communities that relocated to America after suffering religious persecution in Russia. The town’s cast of characters is well-written, and it is fun to follow their daily lives and see what life was like for them in 1895. There are many Christian messages in this book, including dealing with guilt, the rewards of helping others, having faith, and asking God for help. However, the greatest message is that God can take something bad and turn it into something wonderful. The reader is introduced to the history of the Frauenverien, which was an actual organization set up by German communities at that time to help those in need. With likable characters and a heartfelt message, this is a book that readers of Christian fiction will enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Blog Tour and Book Review: I Know Your Secret by Jess Roy

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Dr Amanda Brody has it all – or so it seems. 

Married to a leading medical consultant, with a fabulous career, two amazing children, and a beautiful house in the suburbs of Galway City. 

Everything is perfect – or is it? 

Because Amanda hides a secret. 

One she has lived with for years. A secret so terrible she has no doubt it will destroy her life if ever it is revealed.  

And this is exactly what happens, starting with a note pinned to her car, on it just four words: I Know Your Secret.

Who knows her secret? Who does she turn to? Who does she trust? 

Amanda’s worst nightmare has just begun. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(In his own words) I’ve been writing all my life and have an M.Phil in Creative Writing from Trinity College, Dublin. However, I never really had the confidence, or focus, to pursue it properly until relatively recently. I am a civilian employee of the Irish police, An Garda Síochána. Since 2014 I have written six novels, three published by Bookouture. More recently, I Know Your Secret, a domestic psychological thriller, will be published by Question Mark Press on November 1 next. I also like to play guitar, write the odd ditty, and sing American country songs. 

Jess Roy’s Social Media

Facebook

Twitter

BOOK REVIEW

This is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you turning the page. The reader will be taken on a dark and dangerous adventure where mind games are in play. The characters are well developed, and there are shocking twists, turns, and surprises. The main character, Amanda, is surrounded by deceit and terror, and nothing is certain as danger draws ever closer. Fans of thrillers will want to try this compelling and mind-bending read. As a warning, readers should be aware of a rape in the main character’s past.

I received a free copy of this book from Question Mark Press via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

BUY LINKS

Amazon UK 

Amazon US

 

#Book Review: My Name is Cain

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Mother Evelyn needs to solve a major problem, and Hannah, a young nun fresh out of college, is the one for the job. Joining the Inner Circle of the Abbey of St. Margaret is an eye-opener for Hannah, to say the least. Travel with Hannah and her Vatican Intelligence cohorts on a roller-coaster ride around the world as she discovers many secrets including . . .Did Cain ever die? The death of one of the prime characters in Genesis was never mentioned. Is he still alive?Who are the Elohim? How is Mother Evelyn always prepared for what is going to happen?Journey into a genre rarely touched—Christian science fiction

#BOOK REVIEW

My only comment prior to the review below is a question. Am I allowed to use the word “badass” in a Christian book review? Because I did.

This surprising novel starts out with a group of nuns in an abbey, and the reader has no idea they are about to enter a world of intrigue, spies, aliens, extrasensory powers, space travel, and cyber technology. Biblical characters, scriptures, prophecies, and events are woven through it all. The author keeps us in suspense as he expertly unveils one surprise after another. I was absolutely kept on the edge of my seat as a group of nuns revealed themselves to be badass operatives, bent on saving the human race. This book is so imaginative and well written that I was completely riveted to each page. The characters are complex and layered, and the layers are slowly peeled off as they reveal their true identities. The plot is so creative and the story itself is fast paced and hurtles forward to a shocking conclusion. There appears to be plenty of opening for a sequel, and I sincerely hope we get one. Fans of Christian fiction, Science fiction, Thrillers, and the Paranormal will enjoy this enticing, multi-faceted thriller mashup. In this well-written, imaginative novel, Dean Sparks shows us that Christian fiction can be bold, exciting, astonishing, and unexpected.  

I received a free copy of this book via Reedsy Discovery. My review is voluntary.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dean Sparks is first and foremost a Christian. He loves his wife abundantly. Four of his children, all daughters, were born in one year! Dean is thrilled to be a father and grandfather to the family’s six children and five grandchildren. He loves his job as a Chick-fil-A franchisee and has been with Chick-fil-A since 1978. Dean is an out-of-the-box thinker who is worth reading. You can contact him at authordeansparks.com or via e-mail at dean.sparks@authordeansparks.com.

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: Great Books Available on Kindle Unlimited

Five children are abducted during a daycare outing. Three and a half years later, four of them are returned. Only Ivy, the granddaughter of homicide detective Kate Wakeland, is still missing and presumed dead. Not allowed to join the investigation, Kate is unofficially following the case while working on a separate murder investigation. 

This is the first in a series about 64 year old Detective Kate Wakeland, and I can’t wait to read the next book. There are twists and turns and a completely unexpected ending. I read this through in a day because I could not put it down. It grabs your interest, your imagination, and your heart. If you love murder mysteries, stories about family conflict, and stories with strong female characters, you will enjoy this book. Anni Taylor has done an amazing job with this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary. Now the book is available on Kindle Unlimited at no extra charge for KU members. It’s the first of the Tallman’s Valley Detective Series, and Book 2 is also on Kindle Unlimited. It’s an amazing value for KU members, and a chance to read two books from a talented writer for free. Book 3 is due out in September 2021.

Link to Book 1 on Amazon

Link to Book 2 on Amazon

Link to Preorder Book 3 on Amazon