AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - With Her Baby on Her Back

 

Title:   With Her Baby on Her Back

Author:  Suzette D. Harrison

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Historical Fiction

Format:  ALC

Narrators:  Megan Gage, Jeanette Robinson

Length:  12 hrs 29 mins  

No. of Pages:   380

Date of Publication:   July 13, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Will she ever see freedom for her babies?

Mississippi, 1848. It’s a bright spring morning when enslaved midwife Zinnieis forced to begin an unimaginable two thousand miles on foot. Her newborn baby is strapped to her back, her two little girls holding her hands, as she walks behind the slavers’ wagons.

Every mile brings blistered feet, aching limbs and the constant terror of what might happen to her children. But Zinnie carries an unbreakable determination to protect them. When they cross state lines, could it be her chance to fight for their freedom?

California, present day. Elementary school teacher and single mom Lynetteis exhausted, balancing work, motherhood and life-changing decisions about her future. Then, while sorting through her grandmother’s attic, she discovers a sapphire brooch hidden among long-forgotten treasures.

The brooch unlocks an extraordinary family story of courage, sacrifice and a woman who refused to give up. As Lynette uncovers the truth about her ancestors, will it have the power to change her life forever?

This utterly heart-wrenching and unforgettable novel is inspired by the true story of Biddy Mason, an African American woman and midwife who fought for her family’s freedom and saved countless lives. Perfect for fans of emotional historical fiction by Amy Harmon, Olivia Hawker and Marie Benedict.

MY THOUGHTS:

Suzette D. Harrison’s dual timeline story draws inspiration from the true life of Biddy Mason, a remarkable woman who fought for and won her freedom despite being born into slavery. Biddy’s diverse talents included nursing, midwifery, and real estate entrepreneurship. Notably, she became the first African-American woman to own land in Los Angeles.

Set in 1848 Mississippi, With Her Baby on Her Back introduces readers to Zinnie, an enslaved midwife whose life is forever changed when she is forced to endure a grueling 2,000-mile journey. Traveling in a long caravan with her three young daughters, Zinnie faces unimaginable hardships. Through it all, her greatest concern is keeping her children safe. This is a task that is often both heartbreaking and harrowingly dangerous.

In the present day, readers meet Lynette, a dedicated schoolteacher and loving mother to her neurodivergent son. Like many working mothers, she struggles to find a healthy work-life balance while ensuring her son has everything he needs. When she discovers an old brooch while cleaning out her grandmother’s attic, it sparks a deep curiosity about her family’s past and sets her on a journey to uncover her ancestors’ story.

Suzette D. Harrison has written another wonderful novel that seamlessly blends the past and the present. I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines, especially knowing that Zinnie’s character was inspired by a real woman. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience, courage, and a mother’s unwavering determination to protect her children against impossible odds.

Lynette’s storyline resonated with me just as deeply. She felt like a genuine, relatable Black woman whose love for her son and longing to understand her family’s history made her an engaging and authentic character. Watching her piece together her family’s legacy added an emotional richness that beautifully complemented Zinnie’s journey.

I have read several of Ms. Harrison’s books, and I continue to find them thoughtful, compelling, and deeply moving. I especially appreciate the way she brings real people and historical events to life through fiction, making history feel both personal and unforgettable.

The book’s narration, featuring two narrators, each voicing either Zinnie or Lynette, truly brought the story to life. With Her Baby on Her Back is another remarkable novel, and I eagerly anticipate her next work.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suzette D. Harrison, is an award-winning author of 10 books celebrating African American life and culture. A native Californian and the middle of three daughters, Suzette grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Thanks to a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking, when not busy on her next novel, you might find Suzette whipping up a batch of cupcakes. 

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Review - When I First Met You

Title:  When I First Met You

Author:  Lori Foster

Series:  Family Ties #2

Publisher:  Mira

Genre:   Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   320

Date of Publication:  July 14, 2026

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When he stepped in to help out a city girl, no one expected a “pretend” rescue would lead to something real.

When Glory McCallahan’s cousin moved to Hoker, Kentucky, she felt like she’d lost her best friend. Then, Callie fell in love. To help with wedding arrangements, Glory joins her, but after, the plan is to get back to her perfectly ordered life. Glory has always played it safe, keeping her polished smile in place and her heart on lockdown. No way is she going to let the rugged, too-handsome younger brother of her cousin’s new husband mess with her plans. No matter how infuriating, irreverent, and impossible to ignore Kam may be.

Kam Norwood sees past Glory’s flawless surface, and when he notices she’s being accosted by a wedding guest, he gallantly steps in. What starts as a pretend rescue turns into a night of unexpected sparks. Kam’s not afraid of Glory’s sharp edges—or her secrets. So when the rejected guest turns out to be Glory’s angry ex and things escalate, Kam’s protective instincts kick in big-time.

Turns out, the sizzling attraction may be the one thing that can keep them both safe.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Glory Callahan is thrilled to see her cousin Callie get married. In fact, Glory moves to Hoker, Kentucky, so she can live closer to Callie. The two women are much more than cousins. After the tragic death of Glory’s parents, she was taken in by her aunt and uncle, and she and Callie grew up as close as sisters.

After the wedding, as Glory heads to her car, she is startled to be approached by Mike, a man she dated only three times. The red flags were obvious from the very beginning, and Glory made it abundantly clear that she wanted nothing more to do with him. She has no idea how he managed to track her down in Kentucky.

Mike, however, has other ideas. In his mind, Glory belongs to him, and he is convinced she will eventually realize they are meant to be together. If he has to force the issue, so be it. When Glory is shocked to find him waiting outside the wedding venue and tries to leave, Mike’s controlling behavior quickly turns aggressive. Thankfully, Kam - Callie’s new brother-in-law - steps in just in time. And Kam’s protective instincts don’t end there.

Both Glory and Kam have endured heartbreaking losses, yet each has found a way to build a stable life despite the pain. Their shared experiences create an immediate emotional connection, and what begins as concern gradually develops into something much deeper.

Lori Foster has a wonderful ability to draw readers into her characters’ lives and make them feel every emotion along the way. While this is undoubtedly a romance, it also explores heavier themes with compassion and sensitivity. Wrapped in love, tenderness, and hope, When I First Met You is a heartfelt story that reminds readers that healing is possible and that kindness can make all the difference.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author with over 10 million books sold. She received the Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews and her books have been chosen as editors picks by Amazon multiple times. Foster is actively involved in charity work, and all of the author proceeds from her anthologies have gone to various organizations, such as the Animal Adoption Foundation, the Conductive Learning Center, and One Way Farm. She lives in Ohio with her high school sweetheart.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - The Tomorrow Tree

Title:  The Tomorrow Tree

Author:  Carolyn Brown

Publisher:  Montlake

Genre:   Romance; Women’s Fiction 

Format:   ALC

Narrator:  Brittany Pressley

Length:  8 hrs 14 mins

No. of Pages:   281

Date of Publication:   July 1, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Coming home to small-town Texas means facing the past and embracing the future in this touching novel about the family we choose by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

After thirteen years away, Tina O’Grady returns to her hometown of Benson, Texas, drawn to the old oak tree in the park. She and her childhood friends, Walker and Gracie, called it the Tomorrow Tree and shared their dreams beneath its branches. But Tina, still reeling from past betrayals, has no plans to stay.

Mae and Cleo aren’t about to let her leave. The elderly ladies who practically raised Tina offer her a room in their boardinghouse—where she discovers Walker and Gracie are also staying. Suddenly, this small town feels more like home than ever. Especially when Tina takes a job at Walker’s feedstore, and their friendship rekindles into something deeper than either dared to hope.

Through Mae and Cleo’s fierce maternal love and a second chance with Walker, Tina must confront the wounds that drove her away. Can she finally trust in the family she’s always had—and the love that’s been waiting beneath the Tomorrow Tree?

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

With its heartfelt themes of second chances, forgiveness, and found family, The Tomorrow Tree is another warm and uplifting novel from Carolyn Brown.

Tina O’Grady returns to her hometown of Benson, Texas, expecting only a brief visit filled with memories. Her goal is to spend time beneath the old oak tree where she and her childhood friends, Walker and Gracie, shared promising dreams about their future. It was the place they affectionately called the Tomorrow Tree, which represented hope to the three of them when they were teens.

Thirteen years have passed since Tina left Benson, and the painful reasons behind her departure have never fully healed. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she reunites with the elderly Mae and Cleo, the extraordinary women who raised not only Tina but also Walker and Gracie. Their unwavering love and acceptance bring a sense of belonging back into Tina’s life. The wonderful ladies offer her a room, and she soon reunites with Walker and Gracie. Overwhelmed by a connection she didn’t realize she needed, Tina finds solace and a renewed sense of purpose in their presence.

I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely story. The humor, the warmth, and the genuine kindness of the characters made this such a lovely story.  The slow-burn romance added just the right touch of sweetness, but what tied the story together most beautifully was the Tomorrow Tree itself. More than just an old oak, it served as a constant reminder of childhood dreams, enduring friendships, and the hope that it’s never too late to begin again.

As always, Brittany Pressley delivered a wonderful narration. She brought each character to life with warmth and emotion, making this audiobook an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Many thanks to Montlake and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.

A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.

She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young.

When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - The Country Road Murders

Title:  The Country Road Murders

Author:  James Patterson; Mike Lupica 

Publisher:  Little, Brown and Company

Genre:   Mystery/Thrillers

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Tom Pelphrey

Length:  10 hrs 50 mins

No. of Pages:   416

Date of Publication:   July 13, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

After a shocking accident, Silas Tucker’s legendary football career is suddenly over in this action-packed sports thriller powered by loyalty, competition, and family. 

Humbled, but never defeated, he returns to his backwoods hometown, Cross Rivers, North Carolina, where his father was murdered. 

He goes back to what’s left of his family and their small, struggling farm. He reunites with his best friend in the world—Taylor McCarter Webb, who is now married. 

Then Silas is pulled into a deadly battle with the Southern Mafia who control drugs, trafficking and murder. 

As the suspense crescendos, Silas follows one rule for survival: you don’t ride these country roads alone, or in the dead of night.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Silas Tucker was once a collegiate sports hero with dreams of playing professional baseball or football. Those dreams came to a devastating end after he is seriously injured in a car accident. Looking for a fresh start, Silas returns to his hometown of Cross Rivers, North Carolina, hoping to his life, find a new purpose, and finally discover some peace.

Instead, he finds a town in turmoil. Young women have begun disappearing, and Cross Rivers has fallen under the grip of a powerful Southern mafia organization. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the criminal organization is involved in far more than anyone imagined, and the missing women may be connected to something much bigger.

While the police work tirelessly to stop the violence, Silas finds himself pulled into the center of the investigation. Determined to protect his community, he also hopes to uncover the truth behind his father’s murder years earlier, a crime that has haunted him for much of his life.

The Country Road Murders is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller filled with suspense, danger, and a relentless search for justice. The tension steadily builds with each chapter, leading to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. Listening to the excellent audiobook narration definitely pulled me deeper into the story. James Patterson once again delivers a story that kept me turning the pages. It was nearly impossible to put down, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

James Patterson has created more enduring fictional characters than any other novelist writing today with his Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder Club, Private, NYPD Red, Daniel X, Maximum Ride, and Middle School series. As of January 2016, he has sold over 350 million books worldwide and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers. In addition to writing the thriller novels for which he is best known, he also writes children’s, middle-grade, and young-adult fiction and is also the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on the New York Times adult and children’s bestseller lists.

The son of an insurance salesman and a schoolteacher, Patterson grew up in Newburgh, New York, and began casually writing at the age of nineteen. In 1969, he graduated from Manhattan College. He was given a full ride to Vanderbilt University’s graduate program in English but dropped out after a year, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to continue reading and writing for pleasure if he became a college professor.

Instead, he moved to New York to become a junior copywriter for the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, eventually becoming CEO of its North American company.

In 1976, while still working for J. Walter Thompson, Patterson published his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, with Little, Brown and Company. After being turned down by thirty-one publishers, it won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Patterson’s 1993 novel, Along Came a Spider, his first novel to feature Alex Cross, was also his first New York Times bestseller in fiction.

In 2001, Morgan Freeman starred as Alex Cross in a film adaptation of Along Came a Spider, and Tyler Perry also played the character in the 2012 film Alex Cross. A film adaptation of Patterson’s middle-grade novel Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life was released in theaters in October 2016.

For his initiatives to help kids become passionate readers and for his philanthropic efforts, Patterson was awarded the National Book Foundation’s 2015 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.

James Patterson has donated more than one million books to students, emphasizing some of the most under-resourced schools and youth programs in the country. In 2015, Patterson donated $1.75 million to public school libraries throughout the United States, $1 million to independent bookstores, and a further $250,000 in holiday bonuses to individual bookstore employees. He also gave $1 million to independent bookstores in 2014.

Patterson has recently donated over $26 million to his and his wife’s alma maters—the University of Wisconsin, Vanderbilt University, and Manhattan College—and he has established over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at twenty-four colleges and universities throughout the country. Patterson has also donated over 650,000 books to U.S. soldiers at home and overseas.

In May 2015, Patterson launched a new children’s book imprint at Little, Brown, called JIMMY Patterson, that is unwaveringly focused on one goal: turning kids into lifelong readers. This imprint also provides resources, strategies, and programs to serve teachers, parents, librarians, and booksellers. Patterson invests proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.

Patterson has also founded ReadKiddoRead.com, a website designed to help parents, teachers, and librarians ignite a new generation’s excitement for reading. Awarded the National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize and the American Library Association’s Great Websites for Kids, the site features thoughtful book reviews from a variety of genres and age ranges, a large and lively Facebook community, and contributions from other authors.

Mr. Patterson’s awards for adult and children’s literature include the Edgar Award, the International Thriller of the Year Award, and the Children’s Choice Award for Author of the Year.

He lives in Palm Beach with his wife, Sue, and his son, Jack.

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Mike Lupica is one of the most prominent sports writers in America. His longevity at the top of his field is based on his experience and insider's knowledge, coupled with a provocative presentation that takes an uncompromising look at the tumultuous world of professional sports. Today he is a syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News, which includes his popular "Shooting from the Lip" column, which appears every Sunday.

He began his newspaper career covering the New York Knicks for the New York Post at age 23. He became the youngest columnist ever at a New York paper with the New York Daily News, which he joined in 1977. For more than 30 years, Lupica has added magazines, novels, sports biographies, other non-fiction books on sports, as well as television to his professional resume. For the past fifteen years, he has been a TV anchor for ESPN's The Sports Reporters. He also hosted his own program, The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN2

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BLOG TOUR - Where She Rests

DESCRIPTION:

The girl feels her pulse spike as she tucks herself into the tight space hoping he can’t hear her heavy breathing. She watches him adjust the limp body beside him, and then pause, as if he’s noticed something…

When Special Agent Nikki Hunt walks into the local bakery, she can’t believe the terrifying scene inside. Owner, Claire, is in floods of tears and trembling, the bloodied blond hair of her two young shop assistants peeking out from beneath the white sheets covering them. Nikki immediately panics as she hears Stillwater police whispering that her brother-in-law, Mark, might be the killer…

Though Nikki once proved Mark was innocent of murder, there are people in town who still believe he should be in prison. And everyone knows he just started dating Claire. But finding Mark shaking in the station’s interrogation room, her gut tells her he’s innocent once again. Evidence that a homeless teen was sleeping in the bakery is Nikki’s first real lead, and she begins a desperate search.

But despite knocking on every door, Nikki can find no trace of the missing girl. And then she receives the call she dreads… another body has been found.

Will Nikki be able to protect the people of Stillwater, and her own family? Or has the girl she’s been searching for already lost her life?

Fans of Kendra Elliot, Lisa Regan and Mary Stone will inhale this unbelievably pacy crime thriller until the early hours, desperate to flip the final pages.

BUY LINK:

Amazon - https://geni.us/B0GZDY729Hsocial

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Title:    Where She Rests

Author:  Stacy Green

Series:  Nikki Hunt #12

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  287

Date of Publication:  July 13, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

The twelfth book in the Nikki Hunt series opens with a heartbreaking tragedy. Nikki is called by her friend Claire, who is in a state of sheer panic after discovering the bodies of two teenage girls who have been brutally murdered in her bakery. Although the local police are already on the scene, FBI Special Agent Nikki Hunt is there first and foremost to support her friend. Before long, however, she finds herself leading the investigation into the horrific crime.

Claire has been dating Nikki’s brother-in-law, Mark. Readers of the series will remember that Mark has a troubled past, and Nikki once fought tirelessly to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, many people in the Stillwater community have never let go of their suspicions. So when the two girls are murdered, Mark quickly becomes the initial suspect. Nikki has no doubt that he is innocent, and she is determined to uncover the truth before an innocent man is blamed once again.

As Nikki digs deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a disturbing secret. A homeless teenage girl had been secretly sleeping inside the bakery, but she has suddenly vanished. Nikki fears the worst. Has the girl become another victim, or did she witness the murders and is now being hunted by the killer?

When another body is discovered, it becomes chillingly apparent that the murders are part of a much larger and more sinister plan. The entire community of Stillwater is on edge as Nikki races against time to stop the killer before anyone else loses their life. At the same time, the case hits especially close to home. As the mother of a teenage daughter, Nikki cannot help but worry about her own family, making her urgency to solve the case feel even more personal.

Once again, Stacy Green delivers a gripping police procedural filled with emotional depth, compelling characters, and plenty of suspense. The personal stakes for Nikki add another layer of tension, while the twists kept me guessing until the truth was finally revealed. Fans of the series will appreciate seeing Nikki’s unwavering determination on full display, and readers who enjoy fast-paced crime fiction with strong family dynamics will find this another excellent addition to the Nikki Hunt series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stacy Green is the bestselling author of more than 10 award-winning novels and nonfiction short stories. The ERIN PRINCE SERIES has been optioned for television by a major production team. ALL GOOD DEEDS (Lucy Kendall #1) won a bronze medal for mystery and thriller at the 2015 IPPY Awards. TIN GOD (Delta Crossroads #1) was runner-up for best mystery/thriller at the 2013 Kindle Book Awards. Stacy started her career in journalism before becoming a stay at home mother and rediscovering her love of writing.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Green City Wars

Title:  Green City Waes

Author:  Adrian Tchaikovsky 

Publisher:   Macmillan Audio

Genre:   Sci Fi/Fantasy

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  John Pirhalla 

Length:   12 hrs 50 mins

No. of Pages:   368

Date of Publication:   June 23, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Philip Marlowe meets Redwall in this superior adult noir tale, where all the characters are animals, fighting for survival in the city underneath the humans.

In the solar cities of the future, the humans relax in the sun and the animals work in the shadows. Genetically engineered Little Helpers, serving humanity—unseen, unheard.

Meet Skotch. Racoon, P.I.—Yours for a few buttons as long as the job isn't too illegal, whatever that means.

A mouse has gone missing. Normally this wouldn't raise any hackles, nor any alarms, but this mouse has something that everyone seems to want, though nobody appears particularly eager to say what that something is.

The fee is good—perhaps too good. Certainly not something Skotch can easily turn down.

If only Skotch can work out where the mouse is hiding, what he's hiding, and why his secrets are upsetting a lot of animals caught up in the Green City wars.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Green City Wars was a surprise hit for me. Only having briefly read the synopsis, I first was a little shocked that all of the characters are animals. So I waited a day or two and went back to the book. This time I was able to fully immerse myself in that futuristic little world, a world where justice is paramount. This made the underground world where these animals reside a very unique type of story for me. 

In charge at the present time is Skotch, Raccoon PI. Skotch and the other little animals are genetically engineered creatures that do work for the humans, but always must remain in the shadows. One of them, a mouse, has gone missing, and Skotch takes the case.

There is more going on than the mystery of the missing mouse. It appears that the mouse is holding onto something that the others may want, yet none of them want to tell Skotch exactly what that is. Skotch still takes the case because the fee is just too good to resist. So where is the mouse hiding? Will the secrets he is hiding upset the balance the animals are trying to maintain, especially since some of them are involved now in the Green City wars?

This futuristic story captivated me so much that I easily forgot that all the protagonists were animals. The expertly narrated book really brought the animals to life. It was very easy to see which protagonist was speaking thanks to the excellent narration., Humor woven throughout the story and a cleverly handled mystery made Green City Wars a thoroughly engaging book that was impossible to put down. 

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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