Monday, July 20, 2026

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Seeking the Truth

Title:  Seeking the Truth
Author:  Terri Reed
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Format:  ALC
Narrator:  Tanya Eby
Length:  5 hrs 53 mins
No. of Pages:   219
Date of Publication:  July 21, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

Her investigation could prove fatal…

By secretly investigating the New York City K-9 Command Unit chief’s murder, reporter Rachelle Clark puts a bull’s-eye on her back. Single dad and K-9 unit officer Carter Jameson thought Rachelle was reporting on police-field-dog trials—not his brother’s death. Though he’s not happy about her true purpose, the danger is real…and he and his trusty German shepherd must save her.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Rachelle Clark has been working on an investigation of her own. As a journalist with a local paper, she definitely has plenty to write about. Driven by ambition, she is bent on discovering who murdered former police chief Jordan Jameson. This becomes her primary focus and just might prove fatal for Rachelle, as she finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Threats and danger have come far too close for comfort.


K-9 officer Carter Jameson isn’t happy about Rachelle interfering in what he feels is the police’s job of continuing the investigation into his brother’s murder. He wants her to leave it to the police. Instead, Carter and his K-9 partner Frosty do their best to keep Rachelle safe.


What a lovely story. Carter is a single father to a delightful little girl, and the rest of the loving Jameson family adds a real emotional edge to this wonderful book. This heartwarming fifth installment in the True Blue K-9 series offers more than suspense. Tanya Eby’s captivating narration brings this beautiful story of faith, family, and love to life.


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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


 
Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd. 

For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases


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BLOG TOUR - The Other Patient



DESCRIPTION:

She has everything I’ve ever wanted. First, I’ll take her name. Then, I’ll steal her life… 

I turn my head and stare at the woman lying in the hospital bed next to mine. She has long brown hair, high cheekbones and dark eyes. She looks so much like me, we could easily be mistaken for one another. And that’s how we ended up here. I planned it.

Freya has the kind of life that most people would kill for – more money than she knows what to do with and the freedom to spend her days as she chooses. But I don’t think she deserves any of it.

I’ve spent months watching Freya as I clean her huge house and obey her every demand. She thought I was just her cleaner, but she underestimated me. I know her darkest secret – and I’m going to use it to get everything I want.

So while she was unconscious, I stole her name. She has no idea what I’m capable of. Or what I’m going to do next…

From the number one bestselling author Daniel Hurst, The Other Patient is an utterly addictive, nail-biting read packed full of twists that will make you gasp out loud and leave your jaw on the floor. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, T M Logan and Lisa Jewell.


BUY LINK:

Title:  The Other Patient
Author:  Daniel Hurst
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Psychological Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   294
Date of Publication:   July 20, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Identity theft is a prevalent global issue, but in Daniel Hurst’s latest psychological thriller, it takes on a uniquely sinister form. Iris, a house cleaner who happens to be the literal doppelgänger of her wealthy employer, Freya, devises an intriguing and potentially lethal plan to steal Freya's life with the apparent intention of erasing Freya’s existence.

Before Iris can even put her scheme into motion, the two women are involved in a sudden car accident. This provides Iris with the perfect, twisted opportunity. With both women now hospitalized and Freya's severe injuries rendering her unable to speak for herself, Iris seamlessly convinces the medical staff and the police that she is the real Freya.

The Other Patient is yet another brilliant novel by Daniel Hurst. Filled with deep deception and breathless twists, the narrative keeps readers on their toes. Just when you think you finally have the plot figured out, a shocking curveball turns the entire story upside down, making it impossible to put down until the final page.

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


His most popular titles include The Doctor’s Wife, which reached number one in the UK Kindle store in February 2023, The Couple’s Revenge, The Couple in the Cabin and The Perfect Nurse.

Daniel prides himself on writing fast-paced, twist-filled stories with jaw-dropping endings and he loves engaging with his readers.



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Friday, July 17, 2026

Review - Two Kinds of Stranger

Title:  Two Kinds of Stranger
Author:  Steve Cavanagh
Series:   Eddie Flynn #9
Publisher:  Atria Books
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   392
Date of Publication:   March 24, 2026
My Rating:   5 Stars

* First published July 31, 2025

DESCRIPTION:

SHE HELPED A PERFECT A STRANGER. SHE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS THE PERFECT KILLER...

Elly Parker had everything.

Perfect husband. Perfect apartment. Perfect friends and the perfect job.

As an internet celebrity - famed for her random acts of kindness - everyone knew it.

So when a betrayal causes her to lose it all, millions of people are watching.
But even at her lowest, Elly will always help someone in need.

Which makes her the perfect target for a sadistic game.

Because as she soon learns, you can never trust a stranger - and a seemingly random encounter plunges her into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined.

The only person she can turn to is conman turned trial lawyer Eddie Flynn, who must take on a case where nothing is what it seems. With the most cruelly ingenious mind manipulating events from the shadows, everyone is in danger - including Eddie and his family.


Elly Parker is a wildly successful social media influencer whose norm has always been filming every many aspects of her life. She is especially popular with filming her Random Acts of Kindness. It is when the camera is running during a routine day, her world shatters: she walks into her bedroom to find her husband in bed with her best friend. Unfortunately for Elly, this public humiliation is only the beginning of her nightmare.


After barely escaping the clutches of a brilliant, calculating serial killer named Logan, Elly finds herself arrested and on trial for the poisoning murder of her husband and his mistress. Enter Eddie Flynn - the brilliant former con man turned defense attorney. Despite a mountain of compelling forensic evidence and a clear motive, Flynn can see that Elly is innocent. But can he convince twelve jurors of that fact before a sociopath destroys her completely?


Logan is a dangerous killer whose dark agenda was interrupted when Elly managed to escape him, and his sheer depravity shines through on every page. Each book in the Eddie Flynn series brilliantly threads the theme of the "ultimate con," while this ninth installment takes readers on a thrilling journey as two seemingly incompatible strangers engage in a high-stakes duel. Alternating between their paths creates an incredible, slow-burning tension. 


Delivering the perfect blend of gritty detective work and thrilling courtroom drama, the book culminates in a deliciously shocking twist. It is a flawless addition to the series, and I am more than eager to dive into book ten, One of Us is Guilty!


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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Cavanagh is the multi-million bestselling author of the Eddie Flynn novels and standalone thrillers. In 2018 The Liar won the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for crime novel of the year. In 2019 Thirteen won the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year 2019. 

All of his novels have either been nominated for awards, or have won awards internationally.


He is a former lawyer, and was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he still lives.


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Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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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Tuesday, July 14, 2026

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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