A fun romantic read where the heavier subject of mental health is woven into it. Poppy is hardworking and is trying to get her business going while her boyfriend, Dylan, is more laid back with his company. Also, Dylan has a reputation of being a lady’s man. These issues push doubt into Poppy’s mind about her relationship with Dylan. Although Poppy loves her job and Dylan, her friends encourage her to give her business partner, Jared, a chance, since he is more like her. Poppy’s powerful side is how she steps up to help others, and her pods are a version of that. There is some miscommunication, jealousy, and hidden motives mixed in, which add depth. I enjoyed the friendship between Poppy and her assistant, and her devotion to those she loves. Poppy has some important lessons to learn who to trust and where she can offer forgiveness. A read I can recommend for those who love romantic stories.
by Joy York
Reagan comes home after her grandmother was killed during a house robbery in this fast-paced mystery. Her best friend, Mattie, enlists her ex-seal brother-in-law, Aiden, to look after Reagan when she can’t be there. It’s soon apparent Reagan needs some help since another burglary follows the first. There is a slowly developing relationship between the two as they uncover clues that only add more questions about what happened. Some old play jewelry may be part of the answer, while it becomes apparent that someone wants something in Reagan’s grandmother’s house. Reagan not only runs across old pictures she’s never seen before but begins to piece together her family’s history. There were many twists, and I kept reading to see what would happen next. The end had a surprise that I didn’t see coming. The story was packed with several side stories and shifting suspects. A layered whodunit with a touch of romance and friendship. This is a fun read for all mystery lovers.
by Ritu Bhathal
“Marriage Unarranged” is a charming romantic story that completely hooked me. Aashti found out her fiancé had been unfaithful to her, so she called off the wedding. Seems simple enough, but it wasn’t as acceptable in her community to break off engagements. So, after much consideration, Aashti, her two brothers, and her best friend decide to take the trip to India that was to be for her wedding shopping. Told through several points of view, including her ex-Ravi, added a lot of depth and insight to the story. My favorite part, though, was learning more about the Sikh culture in Britain and India. Although it seemed like their customs were old-fashioned, the family was always there for each other. It was wonderful how much unconditional love Aashti had, including from her very overprotective brother. This was a journey where Aashti finds not only her way after being devastated by her loss, but her strength. Developing relationships were an important part of the traveling group’s growth and the trip through India was vivid with images and experiences that shined through the pages. A marvelous story that I found hard to put down and I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next.
“Knuckleheads” is a unique and compelling read that focuses on two boys growing up in the late sixties and seventies. Zach and Billy have found a bonding friendship in their differences from other children their own age. Zach has dreams which he can go into, and Billy knows the future outcome of events, but not how they come to that ending. Billy struggles in school and has a label for his supposed lack of intelligence. He is moved into another school for such children. Zach is put into therapy and learns to just say what is expected of him. Their abilities and how they had to deal with them were my favorite parts of the story. I love the connection between the boys and the gifts they were given, but unfortunately, no one was ready for them. They had to hide what they really were. This was a time of not only war and civil unrest but when computers were in their early stages before they were common in households, yet they captured the boy’s attention—especially Billy. Lots of good details went into not only the town, people, and the computers. Zach’s father owns a bowling alley and both boys work there while Zach tried to learn to control going into his dreams. The bowling alley brought back a lot of good memories of when I grew up, it was the place to go, just like in the story. Zach is retelling the story of his childhood to his daughter Abbie, about him and Billy. So, father and daughter would comment on the story as it went along. A great debut that is a prequel of stories to come. I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out what happens next!
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:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child this summer, read a book! D. L. Finn
Thank you so much for your review! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it! 🤗
I really did enjoy it and look forward to more, Ritu! Xo
Book two draft one is nearly done! 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Good news 🙂
Thanks for sharing these with us.
Happy to, Craig 🙂
Thank you so much for reading Genuine Deceit and including it in your August reviews. I so appreciate your kind words! I look forward to checking out the other novels! Have a wonderful week!
It was a great read, Joy 🙂 You can’t go wrong reading any of the others xo
Genuine Deceit sounds like a wonderful story, Joy. This review has piqued my interest.
Congrats to Lizzie, Joy, Ritu, and Dan on these great reviews. Thanks for sharing, Denise 💕🙂
Thanks, Harmony 🙂 Happy to share those good reads.
A good collection. I need to read more cozies (I think a few of these are that genre).
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 I do enjoy a good cozy and family drama.
These sound like good ones. I’ve had Genuine Deceit on my radar.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 That cover caught my eye and I’m happy it did.
Great reviews, DL! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Mar 🙂 I’m always hapoy to share books I enjoy.
Lots to choose from today! Thanks for sharing, Denise.
Congratulations to Dan, Ritu, Joy, and Lizzie!
Yes, a good list to pick from, Beem 🙂 Thank you!
Four wonderful reviews, Denise! You make me want to read them all!
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them.
Super reviews, Denise. Thanks.
Thank you, John 🙂
Thanks for sharing your reviews Denise, I’ve read Genuine Deceit and feel compelled to pick up Knuckleheads.
Thank you, Balroop 🙂 Happy reading!
Excellent reviews, Denise. I have a couple of these on my Kindle and am interested in the other two, especially the mystery as Aiden is my grandson’s name 🙂
Thank you, Jacquie 🙂 A great name and a fun read!
I’m reading Knuckleheads right now and have Marriage Unarranged on my Kindle. Great reviews!
Thank you, Darlene 🙂 Happy reading!
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thanks so much for sharing, and a heartfelt congratulations to the writers! ⭐🎉⭐
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 I love to share all the good books I read. xo
Thanks for including Knuckleheads in your book reviews, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I’ve read Marriage Unarranged, and I feel like I should read the other two, now that I’ve read these reviews.
Happy to share you book here, Dan 🙂 I look forward to more! Thank you! You can’t go wrong with any of these.
🙂
Oh, what delicious reading awaits! Thanks for these reviews, Denise. Dan’s book is the only one I’ve read so far (and I agree wholeheartedly). Congrats to all these authors. Hugs all around.
It was a fantastic debut, and I look foward to more from Dan 😉 Yrs, definitely some good reading here. Hugs right back xo
Fantastic reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, Jan 🙂
Excellent reviews, Denise! I have two of these books on my Kindle and hope to read them soon. Oh, I emailed you the tour materials. Hope you’ve received it. I’m leaving on vacation soon. Please let me know if you want me to send you anything else.
Thank you, Miriam 🙂 You have some good reading ahead. I did receive your email. Thank you and have a great vacation xo
Fabulous reviews to share, Denise! Bravo to all! 🙂
Thank you, Natalie 🙂
Excellent reviews, Denise. I enjoyed Ritu’s Marriage Unarranged and Dan’s Knuckleheads too, and it was fun to learn more about My Perfect Ex and Genuine Deceit. They both sound like books worth picking up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Happy Reading.
Thank you, Diana 🙂 Yes, all worthy of a read! My Kindle is full of books from reafing reviews. Happy reading xo
That’s true for me too. Reading blogger reviews is how I choose my books. 🙂
A nice variety of intriguing reads. Thanks for sharing.
scoxoxo
Thanks, Sandra 🙂 It has been a nice variety of books lately. Xoxo
Great reviews as usual, Denise. I have a couple of these in my Kindle and adding the others to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing, and congrats to the authors!
Thanks, Vashti 🙂 You have some good reading ahead! Xo
Hi Denise. Thank you for including your review of my latest book on your beautiful blog! Have a wonderful week.
Happy to, Lizzie. Fun story. You have a great week too!