Review - We Are All Guilty Here

Title:  We Are All Guilty Here

Author:   Karin Slaughter

Series:  North Falls #1

Publisher:   William Morrow

Genre:   Mystery/Thrillers

Format:   Kindle ARC

No. of pages:   448

Date of Publication:  August 12, 2025

Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Girls and the Will Trent series.

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think. 

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Madison and Cheyenne, both 15 years old, had grand plans for their immediate future. However, their plans were undoubtedly improbable due to their tender ages. Tragically, things didn’t turn out as they had anticipated. The events that unfolded were heartbreaking, especially when it came to Officer Emmy Clifton. Emmy knew the girls and felt that she could have done something to prevent this tragedy. She has been working closely with her father, Chief Gerald Clifton.

When the girls’ fate was discovered, everyone was devastated. The investigation went deep, revealing some very uncomfortable truths. It seemed that there was something sinister happening in the town of North Falls, and Emmy was determined to uncover the truth.

The timeline changes and when another tragedy seems imminent, the scope of the investigation takes on an incredibly urgent pace. In fact, Emmy’s family dynamics are explored as she does what she can to find justice for the anyone in danger, all while keeping her strong professionalism.

Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent series has been fantastic, with book after book. Now this new series set in North Falls promises to be just as addictive. This first book is a multi-layered read with several moving parts that flow together seamlessly page after page. The next book is highly anticipated.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Published in 37 languages, with more than 35 million copies sold across the globe, her nineteen novels include the Grant County and Will Trent books, as well as the Edgar-nominated Cop Town and the instant New York Times bestselling novels Pretty Girls and The Good Daughter. Her most recent novel, The Last Widow, features Sara Linton and Will Trent. A native of Georgia, Karin currently lives in Atlanta. Her novels Cop Town, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her are all in development for film and television.

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Review - A Silence in Belgrave Square

Title:   A Silence in Belgrave Square

Author:   Jennifer Ashley

Series:  Kat Holloway Mysteries #5
Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Cozy Mystery 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   320

Date of Publication:   August 12, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must uncover the secrets of Victorian London’s most elite noblemen to save the man she loves, from the New York Times bestselling author of Speculations in Sin.

Kat Holloway knows that her beau and confidante Daniel McAdam has a talent for dangerous work as a Scotland Yard agent. At long last though, Daniel’s coldhearted boss has promised that after a final mission, his debt will be repaid, and he’ll finally be free. However, Daniel must risk his life one last time, masquerading as a secretary to an elderly viscount who could be the mastermind behind the recent plots against the Queen and her government.

Using her contacts throughout London, Kat discovers several of her friends and colleagues have been victims of vicious blackmail. They’ll do anything to protect their scandalous secrets, even conform to the blackmailer’s political agenda. If Kat and Daniel wish to save each other and the Crown, they must prove the blackmailer’s identity and evade those who will stop at nothing to eliminate them. 

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Kat Holloway, a talented cook in this Victorian era series, also dabbles in amateur sleuthing and has proven herself adept at solving murders. However, her current situation is quite different. Her beau, Daniel, has been assigned a dangerous mission in his role as an agent for Scotland Yard, and Kat is deeply concerned about his safety, especially since he will be out of touch for several weeks.

Daniel’s assignment is to pose as a secretary to an older viscount, as a dangerous plot against the Queen is suspected. This in a way parallels to what Kat is currently working on. More than one of the people in her close circle have fallen victim to blackmailing, so Kat juggles her cooking responsibilities with investigating whoever it is that could be behind the blackmail scheme. 

Kat’s worries for Daniel’s well-being are justified as those close to Daniel make every effort to keep her informed. Hopefully, Kat and Daniel’s inquiries will converge before any threat to their lives escalates.

This Below Stairs cozy mystery series has been a delight book after book. With Kat’s intelligence, likability, and diverse roles as a loving mother, Daniel’s perfect partner, an exceptional cook, and an amateur sleuth, she has been captivating readers Daniel might be done with Scotland Yard, and with the exciting conclusion to this book in mind, I can’t wait to see where Jennifer Ashley goes next with this series.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Ashley is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Below Stairs Mysteries, the Shifters Unbound paranormal romances, and the Mackenzies historical romances. She also writes as USA Today bestselling mystery author Ashley Gardner.

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BLOG TOUR - Little Children

     

DESCRIPTION:

Two little children are missing from the same seaside town, and only Kim Stone can find out why…

With the investigation into the boys’ disappearance going nowhere, Detective Kim Stone and her team have been sent halfway across the country to help. But they have a second secret mission: to find out if the dark rumours about the local cops are justified, and if that’s why the children are still lost. Far from home, they must get close to their targets by pretending to be incompetent, lazy and at each other’s throats – and the strain is starting to tell.

All Kim wants to do is investigate both cases properly. She knows she’s the only hope these little boys have… but she can’t blow her cover. Then, just when Kim starts to make headway with a woman brave enough to speak out about one of the local detectives, she is found dead. Did Kim’s questions get her killed? How deep does the rot go?

When another body is found, Kim has a lead at last – one that tells her she’s facing some of the worst criminals she’s ever known. The time for playing nice is over… but can she bring these children home, when time is running out and she cannot trust a single soul?

A completely gripping page-turning crime thriller from no.1 multi-million-copy bestseller Angela Marsons. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.

Can be read as a standalone.

BUY LINKS:

Amz: https://geni.us/B0F7HVSQVMsocial

Apple: https://ow.ly/G1i750VNJN9

Kobo: https://ow.ly/pF9t50VNJQS

Google: https://ow.ly/XoRz50VNJTT

Title:   Little Children

Author:  Angela Marsons

Series:  D. I. Kim Stone Book #22
Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  358

Date of Publication:  August 12, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Two preteen boys go missing, one after another. This case sends DI Kim Stone and her team clear across the country to investigate in Blackpool. With no clues about the first boy’s disappearance, her boss assigns them the case after a second boy goes missing.

There are no clues to help them to know even where to start looking for the boys. They aren’t entering a warm and fuzzy environment either. Between reports of corruption, racism, homophobia and misogyny, Kim knows that she and her team would not be welcomed. Kim hopes to preempt what is going on in Blackpool by assigning specific roles to her team. They are a well-oiled machine, but the force in Blackpool doesn’t need to know that. 

Stacey, Penn, Bryant join Kim and they all begin working feverishly hard as they begin to launch their investigation. The lack of cooperation from the local force makes it clear right from the start what they are dealing with. Kim finds it extremely frustrating and tragic that no one seemed to care about the missing boys. She is truly disturbed and disappointed that notices or anything of that nature to bring attention and concern for the missing boys had been in the works. 

Two conflicting emotions completely kept me riveted to this 22nd book in the compelling D. I. Kim Stone series. The first was pure fury and frustration with the adults who should have been interested in the welfare of the missing boys. However, Angela Marson’s ability to evoke sadness while Kim and her team do everything they can to find the boys alive hit me much harder, especially as things began to unfold. 

This story is equally compelling and heartbreaking, not for the faint of heart. It’s clear that anyone can feel a strong sense of compassion for the welfare of the missing boys, regardless of whether they are parents. Angela Marson’s writing is captivating, and she has kept this addictive series fresh. While this was easily a one-afternoon read, I could have kept reading for hours. As always, I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Marsons is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of the DI Kim Stone series. Her books have sold more than six million copies, and have been translated into over thirty languages.

She lives in Worcestershire with her wife, cheeky Golden Retrievers, and a Bernedoodle. 

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Angela Marsons here: https://www.bookouture.com/angela-marsons

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BLOG TOUR - One Snowy Day

Title:  One Snowy Day

Author:  Shari Low

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Genre:   Women’s Fiction 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   314

Date of Publication:   August 3, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars 

DESCRIPTION: 

On a cold winter’s day, a storm is brewing in the village of Weirbridge…

Georgie Dern has the chance to swap her empty nest for the job of a lifetime in Los Angeles. Can she chase her dream if it means letting down the woman who has given her the world?

Jessie McLean should be counting down the hours until she jets off to spend her retirement years in the sun. But when a devastating betrayal resurfaces, she has to choose between a fresh start and staying behind to settle old scores.

Alyssa Canavan has spent years building the business she adores. Now a legal letter has threatened her home and livelihood, but how does she fight a family that doesn’t give a damn?

Lachlan Morden is forced to return to Scotland to face the people who almost destroyed him. Will coming home reopen old wounds, or will a memory from the past lead him to the perfect revenge.

One snowy day, four lives, but who will have a bright new future when the snow is gone?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/OneSnowyDay

MY THOUGHTS:

The winter season is approaching in the Scottish village of Weirbridge where a retirement party will soon be underway.  Four central characters in Shari Low’s latest novel have lives that intersect. This is a story of second chances that brings to its readers Georgie, Alyssa, Jessie and Lachlan. In one short day, all of their lives undergo momentous changes. 

A party for Jessie’s will soon be underway, combining her retirement, birthday and going away. While this should be an happy day for Jessie, she is experiencing more than a bit of reticence with her plan to leave her beauty salon in the hands of her daughter, Georgie. The salon has done well over the years, and will no doubt continue to do so. However, the sheer thought of leaving her shop, as well as the village, brings her no joy. 

Georgie always planned to take over her mother’s salon. However, she has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would take her away from the small village where she has lived her entire life. She is experiencing empty nest syndrome, and with the looming opportunity before her, the timing could not be better. But what to do about the salon?

Then there is Alyssa. She has done a fabulous job creating a warm and cozy café called Once Upon a Time. When she opens a letter informing her that she has 60 days to vacate due to the death of the owner, she is devastated. Meanwhile, Lachlan, the owner’s son, has breezed into town with the intent of getting the property off of his hands quickly and getting back to his life. Lachlan wants his business cut short post-haste and hasn’t got time to consider what might happen to Alyssa and her café. While her focus had been on hosting Jessie’s party, she is understandably distracted. 

All of the character’s in this story are easy to relate to, and this includes Lachlan and his rush to get his father’s property off of his hands. This smooth read was a delightful experience, thus whetting my appetite for future books by Shari Low. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shari Low is the multi-million copy bestselling author of over 30 novels, including the #1 bestsellers One Day with You, One Midnight with You and One Day in Forever. 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @sharilowbooks

Twitter: @ShariLow

Instagram: @sharilowbooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ShariLownews

Bookbub profile: @ShariLow

Review - Meet Me in the Orchard

Title:  Meet Me in the Orchard

Author:  Carolyn Brown

Series:   Paradise #1

Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca  

Genre:   Romance:

; Women’s Fiction 

Format:   Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:   351

Date of Publication:   August 5, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

"[You] will flip for this charming small-town tale." —Woman's World for The Sisters  Café

Small town enemies to lovers romance between two headstrong property owners determined to one-up each other, from the queen of Southern twang herself, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

Two and a half months have passed since Brodie Carter showed up in Spanish Fort, Texas to meet the father who never knew he even existed. Well, family is family, and Brodie is welcomed in (once everyone gets over their shock). Getting to know his seven half sisters and all their spouses has not been an easy job. Add to that Audrey Ross, the obnoxious, sassy, overbearing woman who owns the orchard next to his. Between Audrey haggling Brodie to buy his property and his matchmaking Great Aunt Bernie setting him up on flop dates, nothing seems to be going right.

And then a tornado demolishes the house Brodie and his brothers live in and everything they own. At least the orchard and farm are left untouched. Luckily, his new family offers up rooms to Brodie and his brothers while they work to rebuild. They move into the former brothel known as the Paradise, and try to get on with their lives.

Audrey claims the storm is an omen that Brodie should sell, but that's the last thing he's going to do. No one boils his blood like she does, and Aunt Bernie can see it. Can Brodie and Audrey stop arguing over their properties long enough to realize the spark that's growing between them?

Link to shop this series

MY THOUGHTS:

Brodie Carter, and his brothers Tripp and Knox, have lost their home due to a devastating tornado. The brothers have seven half sisters, and they have been invited to move in until they get back on their feet. They are all successful farmers, so rebuilding should be easily manageable. 

The family has a neighbor, Audrey Ross, who lives in the next orchard. Both families have been at odds for decades, and now Audrey is bugging Brodie to sell his farm to her. While sparks are clearly evident between the pair, their elderly relatives are staunchly against the idea that they could actually form a relationship. This sweet story was a quick and enjoyable read.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca 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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Review - Once Upon a Time in Dollywood

Title:  One Upon a Time in Dollywood 

Author:  Ashley Jordan

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Multicultural Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   448

Date of Publication:   August 5, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A playwright must grapple with her difficult year and writer’s block while falling for the single dad living next door in this emotional debut novel from Ashley Jordan.

Eve Ambroise may be a rising star playwright, but her personal life is falling part. Desperate for a fresh start, she breaks up with her fiancé, cuts off her parents, and heads to the Tennessee mountains. But keeping up the lie that she’s just on a writing retreat becomes near impossible when faced with the well-meaning townspeople and a neighbor who has just as much baggage as she has.

Coming off a contentious custody battle, Jamie Gallagher is restructuring what his life looks like as a single dad, and spending more days at his cabin makes his new “free time” a little less empty. Especially when he meets the beautiful—and prickly—woman next door. The last thing he needs is a new romance to shake up his family dynamics even more, but there’s something about Eve.

What starts out as a fling quickly becomes more serious, and it’s not long before Eve is running scared once again. She’s loved and lost in every possible way, and risking it one more time could finally break her. But like the fireflies that fill the mountains around them, Jamie’s and Eve’s lives keep falling into sync. A fairy-tale ending could be in the cards, but only if the new couple can get out of their heads and put their hearts first.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

I was halfway through this book when I discovered it was Reese’s Book of the Month pick! What an excellent choice! This story explores how two damaged individuals attempt to build a relationship without causing further harm.

Eve is a struggling playwright with a deadline.  Her personal life is in shambles. Her infertility has broken her and her long-term relationship has ended. She has headed to Tennessee to focus on her writing and to get over her pain. Meanwhile, she meets a her neighbor Jamie. Inexplicably, she is drawn to him, yet she can’t shake the feeling that he’s too good to be true.

Eve’s pain runs deep. There are other issues that she is struggling with, and one of those very things is the fact that Jamie has a son. Just on that alone, she cannot imagine any long-term relationship with him. There’s a valid reason behind her feelings about this. While this book may be a multicultural romance, it goes far beyond that. It delves into the profound sadness that Eve is coping with. Jamie, too, has his reasons for feeling broken, and despite the pain they both endure, they can’t resist being drawn to one another.

This is a multilayered story with characters that feel real. Their pain and drama are relatable, and there is much more to discover within the pages of this incredible debut novel. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ASHLEY JORDAN (SHE/HER) IS A MILLENNIAL FROM ATLANTA BY WAY OF BROOKLYN. SHE ATTENDED SPELMAN COLLEGE, OBTAINING A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND A LIFELONG LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR WOMEN’S STORIES. WHILE SHE CURRENTLY WORKS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, SHE HAS EMBRACED WRITING AS A HOBBY SINCE PENNING HER FIRST SHORT STORY IN SECOND GRADE. WHEN ASHLEY ISN’T AT THE DAY JOB OR WRITING, SHE IS EITHER AT A BEYONCÉ CONCERT, REWATCHING MAD MEN, OR ARGUING ABOUT BASKETBALL WITH ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN. IN 2023, SHE BECAME A REESE’S BOOK CLUB LITUP FELLOW

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Review - The Wrong Sister

Title:  The Wrong Sister

Author:  Claire Douglas

Publisher:  Harper Perennial 

Genre:   Psychological Thriller 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   August 5, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In this sensational thriller from the number-one internationally bestselling author, two sisters discover that the secrets they keep from each other prove to be deadly.

You’ve known her all your life. Or have you?

Tasha and her older sister Alice may look alike, but they couldn’t be more different. Tasha’s married with two children and still lives in their hometown near Bristol. Alice is a high-flying scientist who travels the world with her equally successful husband.

Yet each sister would trust the other with her life.

When Tasha and her husband Aaron need a break and Alice offers to stay in their home with the kids, Tasha knows her family is in safe hands.

She couldn’t be more wrong.

The call from home is devastating. Alice and her husband Kyle have been attacked, leaving Alice in intensive care and Kyle dead. Rushing to the hospital, Tasha finds the police trying to piece events together. She can’t think why anyone would attack her sister.

Then the note arrives, addressed to Tasha:

It was supposed to be you . . .

Every family has secrets. Some more deadly than others.

First published March 14, 2024

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

It was supposed to be you . . .

Tasha is wracked with guilt when her sister Alice survives an attack in her home. An attack that left Alice’s husband Kyle dead. Alice and Kyle were staying at Tasha’s home caring for her and her husband Aaron’s young twins. Tasha and Aaron had been overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities and were glad to take up on Alice’s offer for a brief getaway. 

Tasha and Aaron rush home after the attack, but one thing is clear to Tasha. She feels that the attacker may have indeed attacked the wrong couple. She feels this way because of a note she received after the attack. Had she and her husband been at home, would they have been the victims? Would they both have been killed?

This suspenseful story is ripe with secrets, lies and drama. The pacing is excellent, making this book impossible to put down. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Claire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.

Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers

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