Review - One Little Mistake

Title:  One Little Mistake

Author:  Miranda Rijks

Publisher:  Storm Publishing

Genre:   Psychological Thriller 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   278

Date of Publication:   November 9, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Some thoughts should never be shared.

Kate thought the spreadsheet was harmless—a private ranking of her four best friends detailing their various strengths and weaknesses. But when it leaks online and goes viral, her carefully curated life implodes.

Social invitations vanish, her business crumbles, even her marriage starts to fall apart. It’s as if the silken thread that has been holding everything together has been pulled and now it’s all unravelling.

What Kate has done is a situation that goes from bad to worse. There was a list that she made that was never to see the light of  day. Not only has the list been leaked, but someone on the list seems to be out for revenge, determined to destroy whatever is left of Kate’s perfect life. As anonymous threats multiply and her son falls mysteriously ill, Kate doesn’t know where to turn or who to trust.

Then, as the fallout from the list turns deadly, she finally understands that her one little mistake could cost her everything – including her life.

One Little Mistake - the chilling psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Visitors and Make Her Pay.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

How far can forgiveness really go? That’s the question that stuck with me as I read One Little Mistake by Miranda Rijks. I honestly wasn’t sure how this situation could ever be fixed, but I couldn’t look away as it all played out.

It all starts when Kate realizes something’s wrong. Very wrong. No one will look her in the eye at school pickup. The whispers start. She’s suddenly out of all the parent chats, and even her kids are cut off from their WhatsApp groups. Losing friends is bad enough, but when clients start dropping her too, things really start to unravel.

So what did Kate do that caused all this? Well, she made a spreadsheet ranking her friends from 1 to 100. She thought it was harmless… until that list somehow got leaked. Then everything came crashing down.

You can’t help but feel for Kate as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life after one little mistake that snowballs into something huge. And just when you think things can’t get worse, another layer of drama unfolds that keeps you glued to the story.

It’s a fast, emotional read that makes you think about how quickly life—and friendships—can turn upside down.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Review - Still Waters

Title:   Still Waters

Author:  Patricia Johns

Series:  The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill #2

Genre:   Inspirational Romance 

Publisher:   Bethany House Publishers

Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:  352

Date of Publication:  November 4, 2025

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Unsure of her future within the Amish community, Beth Peachy arrives in Lancaster County to care for her ailing grandmother for the summer at her lake house. Yet with dementia threatening to steal away Mammi's memories, Beth's visit quickly evolves into an urgent quest for the answers to questions that her relatives seem determined to avoid. How can Beth possibly make a lifelong vow to the Amish church when her own family is concealing so much of the past from her?

Beth's childhood friend Danny Lapp faces his own dilemma as his ex-Amish older brother turns his back on their wholesome family upbringing, dishonoring his Plain heritage. Struggling to find some sort of connection with his brother despite their deep difference of opinion, Danny is determined to find a solution before church leadership becomes involved. As Beth and Danny reconnect and seek to help each other in the search for answers, they find themselves stirring up not only surprising revelations about the past, but questions about a possible future together.

Bestselling author Patricia Johns's latest novel is a can't-put-down mix of romance, family secrets, and life within the cloistered Amish community.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

“Still waters ran deep … Notice how still the water is. If the surface is like glass, the water is deep. Don’t be fooled. Lakes can seem almost bottomless.”

Beth Peachy is at a real crossroads in her life. She’s torn between staying in her Amish community or stepping out into the wider world. While she’s in Lancaster County caring for her ailing grandmother, she knows she’s where she’s supposed to be for now — but she can’t help wondering what comes next. The simple Amish life just doesn’t seem to fit her dreams anymore, and she’s struggling to figure out where she truly belongs.

Her childhood friend Danny Lapp is wrestling with his own challenges. His brother has left the Amish and has been pretty outspoken about it, which hurts Danny deeply. Even so, Danny still loves his brother and wants to keep that connection alive.

As Beth and Danny spend time together, they find comfort in being able to talk honestly about their doubts and frustrations. Patricia Johns does such a great job showing the emotional side of their journeys and the very real questions they’re facing. It’s easy to relate to both of them as they try to make sense of faith, family, and their futures.

I also loved seeing Tabitha Schrock again — she was in the first book, Green Pastures, and I hope her story continues in future books. Like the first one, Still Waters focuses more on the emotional and spiritual growth of the characters than on the romance. It’s a heartfelt, thoughtful read that complements the first book perfectly. I’m already looking forward to what comes next in the series.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a Harlequin author who writes for the Love Inspired, Western/American Romance and Heartwarming lines. I have recently signed a book deal with Kensington Books for Amish romance, so in 2019, you’ll find me being published by both Harlequin and Kensington. You can find my books in any place that books are sold. I am represented by Rachel Beck of Holloway Literary.

I have my Hon. BA in English Literature from University of Toronto, and I live in Northern Canada where the weather dominates our small talk. Mr. Johns has the distinct challenge of being married to a writer, and our young son has yet to be impressed by seeing his mother’s books on a store shelf. 😉 It’s the perfect life for me.

Click on over to see my books, or check out my blog where I talk about writing, books, marriage, kids, and everything else that distracts me from my work. And leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Closer Than You Know

Title:  Closer Than You Know

Author:  Debra Webb

Publisher:  Harlequin Intrigue

Series:  Vera Boyett #2

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Audio ALC and Kindle ARC

Narrator:  Elise Arsenault

Length:  10 hrs and 43 mins

No. of Pages:   314

Date of Publication:   May 6, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes the riveting return of crime analyst Vera Boyett, fighting for justice—and her life—amid her Tennessee roots.

Vera Boyett is a master at cracking a case.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she put behind bars twelve years ago. The killer, who is dying of cancer, wants his final revenge. And the reporter is merely a distraction—Vera is his true target.

When the Messenger pulls her sister Eve into his twisted game, Vera vows to stop him for good. But can she find Eve and the reporter before it’s too

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Former police chief Vera Boyett has returned to her hometown after the collapse of her once-distinguished career. Now working as a criminal analyst, she finds herself navigating not only a demanding new role but also the uneasy terrain of family, particularly her strained relationship with her sister, Eve.

When Sheriff Gray “Bent” Benton seeks her expertise on a troubling case involving a missing reporter, Vera is drawn into an investigation that quickly takes a dark turn. Evidence suggests the work of a serial killer known as The Messenger, whose methods echo a case from Vera’s past. As connections between old and new crimes emerge, it becomes clear that vengeance is at the heart of the mystery—and that Vera herself may be the next target.

Webb crafts a tightly woven narrative filled with tension, layered characterization, and emotional depth. The pacing is finely tuned, balancing procedural detail with moments of vulnerability that make Vera a particularly engaging protagonist. Her dynamic with her sisters adds an authentic family dimension to the story, grounding the suspense in genuine emotion.

Equally compelling is Vera’s partnership with Bent, whose mutual respect and underlying warmth lend the novel a subtle romantic undercurrent. Webb handles their relationship with restraint, allowing it to develop organically without detracting from the central mystery.

As in the first installment, Deeper Than the Dead, Webb demonstrates her skill for blending psychological insight with taut suspense. Closer Than You Know stands as a strong second entry in the series—smartly written, emotionally resonant, and impossible to put down. Readers will be eager to continue the journey in the upcoming third book, Secrets You Can’t Keep.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debra Webb is the award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than 130 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra's love of storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com

or write to her at PO Box 176, Madison, AL 35758.

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Review - The Writers’ Retreat

Title:   The Writers’ Retreat

Author:  Samantha Vérant

Publisher:  Storm Publishing

Genre:   Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:   294

Date of Publication:   June 30, 2025

My Rating:   3 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Stunning views.

Solitude.

Murder.

It’s every writer’s dream. The chance to get away for a while, to carve out time and space to focus on your craft in a small group of like-minded creatives. And where better to do it than in a sprawling luxury estate in the Catskills? Surrounded by nothing but rugged mountains and wilderness, where not a soul will hear you scream…

When Liv Montgomery is invited on an exclusive, week-long writing retreat, she can’t believe her luck. But some of her fellow novice writers are better at spinning a yarn than they seem. And Liv winning a place was certainly no accident. Then the plot takes a turn towards murder, and Liv is found holding the knife…

Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell, The Writers’ Retreat is a pulse-pounding tale of obsession, ambition and the dangerous power of the past that will keep you guessing until the final page.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Liv Montgomery has had a rough time — she’s been cheated on, lost her fiancé, and said goodbye to a dear friend. So when she receives an unexpected invitation to a writers’ retreat at a luxurious estate in the Catskills, it feels like exactly what she needs: a reset, a chance to find her voice again, and maybe even a bit of peace.

Once she arrives, though, things aren’t quite as idyllic as they seem. Liv can’t shake the feeling that her invitation came with strings attached. Surrounded by established authors, she’s unsure why she was chosen — and as strange things begin to happen, she starts to suspect that there’s more to this retreat than writing exercises and inspiration.

This is a character-driven story with a slow burn of suspense and a few unexpected turns. While I liked the concept and found it to be a quick, easy read, the execution fell a little flat for me. I wanted more depth in the characters and a stronger emotional punch to match the setup.

Still, The Writers’ Retreat offers an intriguing premise — a mix of creative ambition, personal healing, and dark secrets — that makes it worth a look if you enjoy psychological suspense with a literary twist.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Samantha Vérant is a travel addict, a self-professed oenophile, and a determined, if occasionally unconventional, at-home French chef. Over the years, she’s visited many different countries, lived in many places, and worked many jobs— always on the search for the one thing that truly excited her. Then, one day, she found everything she’s been looking for: a passion for the written word and true love. Writing not only enabled her to open her heart, it led her to southwestern France, where she’s now married to a sexy French rocket scientist she met over twenty years ago, a stepmom to two incredible kids, and the adoptive mother to one ridiculously adorable Charteux cat. When she’s not trekking from Provence to the Pyrénées, tasting wine in American-sized glasses, or embracing her inner Julia Child while deliberating what constitutes the perfect boeuf bourguignon, Samantha is making her best effort to relearn those dreaded conjugations.

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BLOG TOUR - Innocence Road

Title:  Innocence Road

Author:  Laura Griffin

Publisher:  Berkley

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   368

Date of Publication:   November 11, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Detective Leanne Everhart swore she’d never go back to her hometown near Marfa, Texas—but she returns when her brother needs her, only to find a town in need too, still torn apart by a decades-old crime.

Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape. 

While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.

Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Innocence Road pulled me right into the heart of Madrone, Texas—a small town simmering with tension, grief, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The story follows detective Leanne Everheart, who is trying to keep her focus on a brutal new case: the body of an unidentified woman found under disturbing circumstances.

What makes her job even harder is the shadow of an old murder that still divides the town. This case goes back to when her father was a cop and worked on a case that resulted in the conviction of Sean Moriarty. He was convicted of killing Hannah Rawls—a crime that shocked everyone. Now, after new evidence overturns his conviction, Sean walks free, and the community is furious. Some people believe justice has finally been served, while others are convinced a killer has been set loose again.

Leanne finds herself caught in the middle of all that emotion and small-town judgment. She’s determined to find the truth about both cases, even when it feels like everyone around her has something to hide. Along the way, we meet people like Josh Cooper and Izzy Rodriguez, who bring depth, loyalty, and just enough warmth to balance the darker themes.

Laura Griffin does what she does best—mixing strong, relatable characters with a tightly woven mystery. The pacing is excellent, the tension steady, and I really appreciated how the story explored what “innocence” truly means, especially in a town that never forgets.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with realistic police work, emotional depth, and a few twists that keep you guessing, Innocence Road is one you’ll want to pick up.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.

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BLOG TOUR - Every Last One

DESCRIPTION:

Tucking her daughter into her hospital bed, Gail sent up a silent prayer. Her daughter’s heart is failing and without this life-saving operation she will die. But soon her peace is shattered when a nurse races into the "Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter."

When four attackers storm Founders Hospital, plunging it into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful surrender.

Soon she discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital?

Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. But with the attackers refusing to make contact and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.

When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.\Sandra will need to use everything in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone. But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost?

A totally gripping mystery thriller perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot’s Mercy Kilpatrick series, Mary Stone and Elle Gray.

BUY LINK: 

https://geni.us/B0F8VGV7ZVsocial

Title:   Every Last One

Author:   Carolyn Arnold

Series:   Sandra Vos #2
Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   318

Date of Publication:  November 18, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh! My! Word! What a truly high-octane read! From the very first page, Every Last One grips you and doesn’t let go. A terrifying hostage situation unfolds in a busy hospital, instantly plunging readers into a world of chaos, courage, and impossible decisions. The hospital goes into lockdown, but even with strict security measures, the danger only intensifies. Lives hang in the balance—including that of a tiny, four-year-old girl named Phoebe, who is scheduled to receive a life-saving heart transplant later that night.

Enter Special Agent Sandra Vos, one of the FBI’s top negotiators. She’s earned her stellar reputation through skill, empathy, and sheer determination—qualities that are put to the test in this tense, high-stakes standoff. The hostage takers have thought of everything, even blocking cell signals to prevent outside communication. Sandra must find a way to reach them, defuse the escalating tension, and save every possible life before time runs out.

As the hours tick by, the pressure mounts. Sandra’s calm professionalism and human compassion make her a compelling and admirable lead. Carolyn Arnold keeps the pacing razor-sharp, weaving in emotional depth alongside the suspense. Each twist reveals another layer of motive and mystery, and as Sandra uncovers the truth, the danger only grows more personal.

Arnold masterfully balances heart-pounding action with moments of vulnerability and hope. The hospital setting adds a unique urgency—especially with little Phoebe’s fate tied to the outcome of the standoff. Readers can’t help but hold their breath as Sandra races against both the clock and the darkness of human desperation.

Every Last One is a pulse-pounding thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat and emotionally invested until the very last page. Carolyn Arnold definitely delivers suspense with heart in this story. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Arnold was born in a small Canadian town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. As an international bestselling and award-winning author, she has several continuing fiction series, including her popular Detective Madison Knight series. She offers readers nearly three dozen published books in genres ranging from crime thrillers and hard-boiled mysteries to cozy mysteries and action adventures. She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles.

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