The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Wife Between Us
Author: Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
Type: Fiction
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
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I haven’t read a great thriller like this in quite some time! It was not at all the book I thought it would be, due to the many twists and turns. Vanessa is struggling with the knowledge that her ex-husband is getting remarried. But this does not turn into the typical “man leaves woman and woman finds a new life” story.  It’s hard to write much more, because I don’t want to inadvertently give away too much! I will recommend clearing your schedule before sitting down to read this book as it’s certainly a page-turner and you will not want to put this down for any reason! It’s a very engrossing story that will suck you in quickly.

Two authors wrote this book, and I must say, they did a phenomenal job. I’m not a big fan of co-authored books, but these two work together so cohesively that you’d never realize there was more than one person writing. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC of this book.  

Blood Brothers (Sign of Seven #1) by Nora Roberts

This is my fourth time reading this series.  I tend to pick it up around Halloween, when I want a spooky story with romance. Well three spooky romance stories, as it's part of a trilogy.

Cal Hawkins, and his 2 best friends, Gage and Fox, were barely 10 years old when they let loose a demon.  Every seven years, the demon comes back to Hawkins Hollow to cause damage, destruction and death. This year, Quinn Black, writer and paranormal investigator, has come to town to write a book about the phenomenon.  But it's not as simple as it seems. As Quinn becomes more involved with the history of the town, and begins to have feelings for Cal, the danger increases. The two of them, along with Gage, Fox, and two more women (typical storytelling for Nora Roberts in these sorts of trilogies), get ready for the fight of their lives. 

This story is filled with creepiness, danger, excitement and romance - the perfect blend of characteristics to make this the perfect book to read on a chilly October night!

The Return of the Black Widowers by Issac Asimov

I've loved the Black Widowers mysteries ever since I found an old copy at my local library's book sale 20+ years ago. (OMG has it really been that long since I was in high school?!?!) As I was perusing the library a few weeks ago, looking for a good mystery, I came across The Return of the Black Widowers, by Issac Asimov and grabbed it immediately!

This anthology did make me sad as it was published after Mr. Asimov's death, the stark reminder there are no more Black Widower stories to tell (at least from Mr. Asimov's point-of-view).

Every story has the same premise: a group of men who call themselves the "Black Widowers" gather monthly in a private room at a restaurant. One of the members brings a guest, who is asked to justify his existence after dinner.  In each case, the guest presents a mystery - a puzzle to which neither he nor the members cannot solve.  At that point, Henry, the trusted and beloved waiter, steps in with his thoughts - and the mystery is solved!

These stories are great for fans of old-fashioned mysteries.  The puzzles are always intriguing and entertaining.

Charmed at Christmas (Christmas at Castle Keyvnor Book 1)

Charmed at Christmas is one of four books revolving around the weddings of Lady Tamsyn Hambly and Mr. Gryffyn Cardew,  and Lady Morgan Hambly and Harold Mort, Viscount Blackwater at Castle Keyvnor.  These books are related to a previous release of four books: The Haunting of Castle Keynvor.

The first novella is "Lord Locryn and the Pixie's Kiss" by Deb Marlowe. What a sweet story! A Pixie accidentally curses a young man, and both his and the pixie's life are changed for 8 years.  Now, as Lord Locryn comes back to the place where he was unknowingly cursed, he finds love with Lady Gwym Hambly, sister to the two brides.  They must work together to undo the curse so they can be together. They use the magic of Christmas, along with the help of a pixie, to get their happily-ever-after.

The second novella is "The Determined Duchess" by Erica Monroe.  I did like this story, but it was darker than I had expected due to the aspects of alchemy. Miss Felicity Fields, mourning the death of her guardian, wants to use magic to bring her guardian back to life. But first she must deal with Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe, who is determined to find a marriage match for Felicity.  However, he finds himself intrigued with Felicity. I enjoyed this story, but I'm not sure it's everyone's cup of tea.

The third novella, "A Duke By Any Other Name" by Claire Delacroix, is the story of the Alexander, the Duke of Inverfyre and Daphne Goodenham.  Daphne wants to marry a duke so she can take care of her and her sister, but she meets Alexander, who is on a mission of his own. This was a charming  and entertaining story.

I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.

How the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews

I am a huge Meg Langslow mystery fan! I binge-read the entire series up through book 20, then had to wait (rather impatiently) for books 21 and 22.

How the Finch Stole Christmas is another delightful story in the series. I really enjoy the Christmas-themed mysteries, and was glad to see Meg's husband continue on with his "Dicken's A Christmas Carol" show.  This time, he changed from a one-man show to a full production, with Meg as the stage manager (while still working for the mayor) and their twin boys with parts in the play.  An actor who is past his prime was hired to play the role of Scrooge, and while he could play the part well, he's an alcoholic who'd prefer to be drinking rather than acting.  Despite help from the town to keep him sober, Meg finds herself struggling to find out where he gets his booze. At the same time, we've got animal smuggling, exotic finches, an overzealous fan who may be just a tad crazy, and a dead body (or two)!

I felt like Meg's family was more on the sidelines this time around, but I did enjoy the ending and the Christmas-feel of the book. I can't wait to read this one again at Christmastime!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Miss Cavanaugh by Jody Kaye

What a great novella to get my Kingsbrier fix! Miss Cavanaugh tells us about Daveigh and Cris' wedding. We saw the progression of their relationship in Daveigh, book three of the Kingsbrier series. This story wraps up their love story nicely (although I can't wait to see babies in their future!!!) We also got a sneak peek into the background of Daveigh's parents, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it would be best for background and reference to read the others in the series as well.

I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review. 

Other books in The Kingsbrier Quintuplets series include:
Eric
Brier
Daveigh

How a Scot Surrenders to a Lady by Julie Johnstone

Book: How a Scot Surrenders to a Lady
Author: Julie Johnstone

I have read the other books in this series, but I think this one is my favorite! Cameron is the youngest brother of the MacLeod family and feels that he has to prove himself to his family, his king, and himself. Sorcha, the daughter of an evil man, tries to stop an attempt to kill the king's mistress.  She is hurt when trying to escape and is unable to remember who she is. 

Years before, a seer foretold that this woman would cause heartache for Cameron, but he is drawn to her anyway. As he tries to fulfill his duty to his king because his life is at risk, he also falls in love with Sorcha. He must call on his brothers to do what needs to be done, even though he's spent years trying to prove his independence.

This book is book 5 of the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series, but it's not necessary to read in order.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

A Scandalous Vow by Ava Stone

This book is part of a series, but it's not necessary to read them in order. (Although I do recommend it!)

Marcus Gray, the Marquess of Haversham, has some enemies from his past. While he has been in love with Caroline, Viscountess Staveley, for years, they were unable to be together as she was married to someone else.  Now widowed with three children, Caroline holds tight to her dislike of Marc because she believed he caused her husband's death. Because Caroline's husband and Marc used to both work at the Home Office, he knows secrets that she is unaware of. When her life is in danger, Marc must protect her, even though she hates him!

This book had all the things I love - intrigue, passion and romance!  Ms. Stone does a fantastic job of bringing these characters' love for each other to light. I highly recommend this book. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gone Gull: A Meg Langslow Mystery by Donna Andrews

Gone Gull is the newest book in the Meg Langslow series.  This time, Meg and her family have headed up to Biscuit Mountain to help her grandmother, Cordelia, with her summer program.  Meg is teaching a blacksmith class, and the prior week had been wrought with pranks.  As they head into the second week, Meg and Cordelia try to make sure the prankster has left.  However, now the pranks have been upgraded to murder! When a fellow artist is found stabbed to death in his studio, we see Chief Heedles again visiting a crime scene. Meg is determined to do what she can to stop the vandal and the murderer!  As usual, her curmudgeonly grand father gets involved when the murder victim also holds the secret to finding a rare breed of gulls previously thought extinct. After another murder victim pops up, there is a direct threat to her family as well.  Meg steps up her game with the help of her beloved family members.

What I love about these mysteries (other than Meg herself) is Meg's family!   My only complaint is that as her twins get older, we see less interaction between Meg and Michael. But as usual, Ms. Andrews has written a very entertaining mystery!

I received a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox

Verity Long and her ghostly sidekick, Frankie, are on track for another adventure! The book starts out with Verity receiving a mysterious call from the Sugarland Historical Society, stating there was a murder. But how can there be a murder when no body is found? She enlists Frankie's help to investigate, which leads to a humorous and engaging story!

The book is well-written, like the others in this series.  I enjoy reading cozy-mysteries, especially those that focus on the paranormal.  The author does a great job of creating funny characters with depth.  I definitely recommend this series, and do feel that the reader should start at book one.

*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.