by Teri Polen
“Sarah” is a YA horror story centered on a seventeen-year-old boy, Cain, his friends, and his family. Cain, his mother, and his sister moved into a new house, and things started to happen. Doors open that shouldn’t be, and there are cold spots that Cain and his best friend, Finn, try to understand. I loved the best friend relationship between Cain and Finn and their life outside the haunted house. Cain’s girlfriend explores how patient he can be and how self-centered some people are. Cain’s little sister is sweet, and I love how he cares for her and his mother. Although, it is the ghost of Sarah that grows and changes the most in the story. It caught my attention, as she didn’t hesitate to show how she suffered. Watching a victim’s rage play out makes this a chilling read, while Cain and Finn try to solve the mystery. I enjoyed seeing the nod to the show “Supernatural” and thought about the show before it was even mentioned. A fast read that kept me guessing what the ghost, Cain, and his friends would do next.
Ella is the sweet story of a woman who’s just trying to get home after a terrible week. Her car breaks down at a small-town gas station, and a town local befriends her. She finds not only a place to stay but a welcoming town. I enjoy watching Hallmark movies, especially Christmas ones. They not only relax me but offer hope in the happily ever after. This story had the same feel, and I could see this town and people become a full-length book. I wanted to get to know them all better. A quick read that I enjoyed.
I have finally caught up on the Wounded Heart Series. Book eight starts with what happened to Adam and Amanda. They are split up. Amanda has a new job and Adam a new partner, but what Adam doesn’t know is she is pregnant. When something happens that puts others in danger, Amanda must face Adam again. Amanda’s part has a lot of tension and second-guessing, while Adam attempts to break through that while investigating a person from his past. I like the introduction of Brianne, Adam’s attractive partner, and how she added to the mix. Cameron, Frank’s brother, started to open up about what happened to him years ago. While one door seems to shut by the end of the story, there are new possibilities that have opened where past and present situations spiral around the characters. This was a fast read, and I can’t wait for book nine to come out. Wounded Hearts is a series I highly recommend.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace that inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Really good collection because they are all new to me. Thanks, Denise!
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 I always like finding new ones too!
Great collection, Denise. I need to add these to my TBR list.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 All worth a read!
Great reviews. Congrats to Teri, Mar, and Jacquie. Thanks for sharing, Denise 💕🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 All good ones.
Wonderful selection of temptations.
Thanks. Craig 🙂
Excellent selections, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Staci xo
These are all excellent reviews, Denise. I really enjoyed Sarah.
Thanks, Robbie 🙂 It got a lot of good reviews.
Thanks for promoting these books, Denise. I’ve read Marlena Smith’s story. I very much enjoyed it. I’ll have to grab copies of the others as well.
I really enjoyed Marlena’s story and think you will enjoy all the rest. Thanks, Beem.
Thank you for sharing these reviews, Denise. I’m glad you read Sarah. It was definitely a chilling read, especially the ending. I also read Secrets, Lies and Alibis. I rooted for this couple all the way through. I’ve yet to read Ella, but knowing Marlena, it’s a sweet story. Congrats to these authors!
Seeing your review on Sarah pushed it up my list, Jan. Yes, I was rooting for them too in Secrets, Lies, and Alibis. Yes, Ella is a very sweet story, perfect for the holidays.
More good reads! I haven’t yet read Teri’s or Marlena’s. I’m going to have to step up my game:)
scoxoxox
So many good books to read, I barely make a dent in my TBR list.xoxooxxo
Excellent reviews, Denise. I liked “Sarah” too, especially Teri’s ability to capture the essence of teen boys. 🙂 And I’m so glad you’ve caught up on Jacquie’s Wounded Hearts series. I’m terribly behind, but I’ll get there. And thanks for the review of “Ella” – it sounds like a sweet tale for the holidays. 🙂 Happy Reading!
Teri did capture the teens well, and it was a bit terrifying too. I love when so can focus and read an entire series like that. I have many more to read though. Ella is a sweet holiday read, thanks Diana! Happy reading.
I’m so happy you enjoyed my series enough to keep reading, Denise, thank you! Congrats to Teri and Marlena on the wonderful reviews!
I need to start at the beginning of Jacquie’s series. It’s on the TBR list.
scoxoxo
I had a lot of fun going through it from the beginning!
Three good reviews, Denise! You mentioned “Hallmark” in your Ella review, and that’s exactly what I was thinking.:-) Sometimes we all need a little Hallmark romance in our lives.:-)
Denise, I’m so honored to be on your site & read/reviewed by you. Among the company of some great writers too! I haven’t read either of these books yet, but I’ll be moving them up my list for sure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!