REVIEW: “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” by Peter Hedges

"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" by Peter Hedges Paperback, 319 pages Published Nov. 1, 1999, by Simon Schuster (first published Sept. 1, 1991) My synopsis The best answer to the question posed in the title of this book might be, "What's Not Eating Gilbert Grape?" The title character is working a menial job at a dying mom-and-pop grocery …

REVIEW: “Limetown”

"Limetown (The Prequel to the #1 Podcast)" by Cote Smith, Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie Hardcover, 290 pages Published Nov. 13, 2018, by Simon and Schuster (first published Oct. 30, 2018) Synopsis I was so excited to find a copy of this book at my local library! From the creators of the #1 podcast Limetown, an explosive prequel about …

REVIEW: “The Book Charmer (Dove Pond #1)” by Karen Hawkins

"The Book Charmer (Dove Pond #1)" by Karen Hawkins Paperback, 368 pages Published July 30, 2019, by Gallery Books My synopsis " ... just do yourself a favor; if Sarah Dove offers you a book, take it. You'll regret it if you don't." Dove Pond, N.C., is no ordinary small Southern town. Among other miracles, it's …

REVIEW: “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein

"The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein 321 pages, paperback First published May 13, 2008, by Harper Collins My synopsis Enzo is basically a human -- a very insightful human -- in a dog's body. He loves auto racing as much as, if not more than, his master Denny. We follow Enzo …

REVIEW: “Run Away” by Harlan Coben

"Run Away" by Harlan Coben Hardcover, 371 pages Published March 19, 2019, by Grand Central Publishing ISBN: 1538748460 My synopsis Simon Greene will do anything for his family, including his eldest child, Paige. But she's on drugs, and she's running from him. And he doesn't fully understand why. As Simon and his wife Ingrid fight …

REVIEW: “A Light in the Desert” by Anne Montgomery

"A Light in the Desert" by Anne Montgomery Paperback, 286 pages Published Nov. 6, 2018, by Treehouse Publishing/Amphorae Publishing Group (first published May 27, 2015) ISBN: 1732139113 My synopsis A Vietnam veteran struggling with mental illness, a pregnant teen with a facial deformity and a group of religious zealots are thrown onto a backdrop of the Arizona …

REVIEW: “Things You Save in a Fire” by Katherine Center

"Things You Save in a Fire" by Katherine Center Hardcover, 320 pages Slated for publication Aug. 13, 2019, by St. Martin's Press ISBN: 1250047323 My synopsis Firefighter Cassie Hanwell has a successful career in Texas that takes a detour when her semi-estranged mother in Massachusetts calls to ask for her help. Cassie must fight more …

BLOG TOUR: “The Last Stage” by Louise Voss (Excerpt)

Hi, friends! Today is my turn at a blog tour for "The Last Stage," a mystery/thriller by Louise Voss. Thanks to Orenda Books for this opportunity. "The Last Stage" by Louise Voss Paperback, 300 pages Slated for publication July 11, 2019, by Orenda Books Synopsis At the peak of her career as lead singer of …

REVIEW: “The Spies of Shilling Lane” by Jennifer Ryan

"The Spies of Shilling Lane" by Jennifer Ryan Kindle edition, 368 pages Published June 4, 2019, by Crown ASIN: B07K62LGW8 My review Great Britain is deeply entrenched in World War II, and it's against this dismal backdrop that the haughty Mrs. Braithwaite receives divorce papers from her cheating husband. Because of the stigma surrounding divorced …

REVIEW: “The Body Lies” by Jo Baker

"The Body Lies" by Jo Baker Hardcover, 288 pages Set for publication June 18, 2019, by Knopf Publishing Group ISBN: 0525656111 My review Trigger warnings: Assault, rape, drug use "He wants her to read what he has written. He wants to watch her face as the words slip inside her head and wash his colours …