Newest WHISKEY CREEK novel by Brenda Novak: Review

dear readers,

I am in LOVE with Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series.  The characters in this series are so realistic and relatable.  I like that we meet most of the characters in book 1 and as the series continues we continue to see them grow.  These are not just novels about a couple coming together but about romances, relationships (friends and family) and life's up and downs.  It is not contained in just one novel but spill into the next book.

Brenda Novak has stated that these novels can be read on their own but I have to disagree.  To get the greatest enjoyment and to really understand the town and the characters it is best to start with the novella and read in order.  If you do decide to read them out of order please note you may get annoyed with the feeling that you are missing something.

Whiskey Creek:

 -When We Touch (Novella) 2012 

 -When Lightning Strikes (Book 1) 2012 
 -When Snow Falls (Book 2) 2013
 -When Summer Comes (Book 3) 2013
 -Home to Whiskey Creek (Book 4) 2013
 -Take Me Home for Christmas (Book 5) 2013
*COMING SOON -- Come Home to Me (Book 6) March 25, 2014





For my reviews of Whiskey Creek's novella and book 1 -3:
http://mynoveladdiction.blogspot.ca/2013/02/whiskey-creek.html

For my review of Whiskey Creek's book 4:
http://mynoveladdiction.blogspot.ca/2013/08/review-home-to-whiskey-creek.html


Now in time for the holiday season comes the newest Whiskey Creek novel (Released today October 29, 2013)...

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review).

TAKE ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
(Whiskey Creek: Book Five)
Written by Brenda Novak
genre: Contemporary romance

4 STARS

When Sophia's abusive husband, Skip is first found missing she cannot help but hope he never returns.  When she discovers that he has drowned in an attempt to run from the FBI her life turns into a bigger nightmare.  Once Sophia and Skip were the golden couple with money and now with Skip's crime she is left with no money and the whole town has turned on her.  Skip cheated the townspeople of Whiskey Creek and now Sophia has to face their wrath.

Ted was once in love with Sophia and then she left him for the wealthy Skip which has left Ted bitter towards Sophia.  He won't even let her attend their coffee club.  But when the town turns maliciously against her he offers her a job as his housekeeper.

As Sophia tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter, Alexa, Ted tries to keep away from her.  He even tries to start a relationship with their mutual friend, Eve to make his point.  As they get closer to Christmas will the holiday spirit bring the two to forgiveness?

I have been waiting for Sophia's story since I first read When Lightning Strikes.  You have a spoiled mean girl who has now become an almost recluse because she is being abused by her husband.  While I enjoyed her story and her reconnecting with her young daughter, Alexa I was not impressed with Ted - her love interest and Eve her supposed new friend.  Even with the weak romance story I really enjoyed this novel.  There was so much to discuss with this novel and the characters in this novel keep you interested.



love, 
kris

REVIEW: Take Me Back - Again

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from the NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

SALLY MANDEL 

 is the author of seven novels: Heart and Soul (Ballantine); Out of the Blue (Ballantine); A Time to Sing (McGraw Hill/Harper-Collins); Portrait of a Married Woman (Bantam); Quinn (Delacorte/Dell); Change of Heart(Delacorte/Dell), and Take Me Back, whichwill be published by DiversionBooks in September 2013. Change of Heart was on The New York Times bestseller list for ten weeks. The film rights were sold to Columbia Pictures. 

Mandel spent two years writing for television’s Guiding Light and was awarded an Emmy in 1992. Two of her screenplays have been optioned and she is a two-time winner of the Montage/HBO Screenwriting Competition. 

She lives in New York City with her husband, and is at work on a new novel.

Sally's website: http://sallymandel.wordpress.com/

Take Me Back on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18398991-take-me-back

Take Me Back on Diversion Books: http://diversionbooks.com/ebooks/take-me-back

REVIEW: TAKE ME BACK 

Written by Sally MANDEL

genre: Literary Fiction

3.5 STARS

The matriarch Lily Adams is in the twilight years and is reflecting back on her life.  There is her granddaughter, Amy her kindred spirit and the love of her life, who rushes to be by her side when Lily takes a turn for the worse. She worries over Amy's lack of a stable relationship or career.   Stella, her only child, has never understood her mother and always takes life as it comes. She wonders if Stella will be okay and move forward in her life.  Stella's ex-husband, Steve is Lily's friend Grace's son and becomes like his mother in America. As her daughter's marriage falters she cannot help but be in her son-in-law's life.  Finally, there is her late husband, William whom she married because of his sheer determination to have her. 

Take Me Back is novel broken into smaller stories told from five characters point of view.  It spans decades giving us vignettes of Lily's life through her own stories and those most important to her.  Mandel's writing invites you in their lives as if you are a friend of the family.  The one drawback was the stories of Steve and William as they did not seem to add much to the story as a whole.  It felt almost forced rather than flowing with the women's section.  I would have liked more stories from the women and seen the men through their eyes only.  

The relationships between the three women are so rich but it felt a bit like you were just getting a taste of it when it ended. Yet overall, the ending was satisfying and left you still thinking about the three generations of women that made this family vulnerable yet strong. The sign of a good novel is that it still lingers in your mind days later.

I am looking forward to looking at Mandel's backlist of novels and trying another novel soon.

Change of Heart (1979)
Quinn (1982)
Portrait Of A Married Woman (1985)
A Time to Sing (1989)
Out of the Blue (2000)
Heart and Soul (2002)

love,
kris

The Good, The Bad and Just Don't Read: Reviews

dear readers,

I read a few romances lately and here is what I thought:

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE GOOD

BITE ME, YOUR GRACE
(Bite Me, Your Grace: Book 1)
Written by Brooklyn Ann 
genre: Historical Paranormal Romance 

4 STARS 

On the heels of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Dr. John Polidori's writes his own ghost story, The Vampyre. Written after a weekend spent writing ghost stories with Lord Byron. The novel hits the ton and begins a new craze and a new crazy.

Ian Ashton - lord of the Vampires in London - already has to dispel rumors of being a creature of the night by doing what vampires supposedly cannot do like standing in front of mirrors and eating garlic. Now with this new book that seems to know more than it should and some crazy loose on the ton - he has to deal with his neighbor Angelica Winthrope who wishes to be the next Mary Shelley.

Angelica wants to write, not marry a Lord. When her mysterious neighbor shows interest in marrying her she does everything to thwart him. Soon the aspiring horror writer and creature of the night marry and that is only the beginning...

I really really enjoyed this humorous paranormal gothic historical romance novel! It has the perfect blend of contemporary humor with Regency history. I myself love Mary Shelly and her novel, Frankenstein. The group she hung around with were great writers themselves and it was interesting to have them be an influence in this book. Lord Byron - can you write gothic without him? This is a great novel if you are not sure about historical romances or paranormal as it gives you a great taste of the genre.


THE BAD

WHERE MAGIC DWELLS
Written by Rexanne Becnel
genre: Historical Romance with Paranormal aspects 

3 STARS

Wynne is a seeress and guardian to 5 orphaned children in the Radnor Forest in Wales. The young children are results of English soldiers raping Welsh women and leaving them pregnant. Cleve, an English Soldier has come to Radnor Forest to search for one of those children who may be the heir to his kingdom. Wynne will do anything to protect the children as Cleve will do the same for his kingdom.

An okay historical romance that was a bit cliched and lacked the sparks between the hero and heroine.


AND JUST DON'T READ

EMMA: A LATTER-DAY TALE

by Rebecca H. Jamison 
genre: modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma 

DNF (Did not finish)

This novel used too much of the original novel to be unique and was not interesting enough to keep reading.  Read about 45%.  Maybe the modern twist was in the half I did not read. I adore Jane Austen's Emma and Highly recommend you read that instead...or if you are looking for a modern-ish retelling try the movie Clueless.

love,
kris

REVIEWS: MYSTERIES

dear readers,

Here are some reviews for a few mysteries I have read recently.

INTO THE DARK

Written by RICK MOFINA 
genre: suspense, thriller, mystery

3.5 Stars 

Cold case detective Joe Tanner is trying to solve the murder of a young screenwriter and single mother of two.  As he reviews his cases he notices a pattern that might suggest that a serial killer had been on a killing spree at this time and now was dormant.  Using Mark Harding, an ambitious reporter he manages to bring the killer out of retirement and now is on his trail to discover his identity.

Claire Bowen is happy.  She loves being a psychologist and being married to Pilot, Robert Bowen. The only thing she is missing is a child.  She is unable to have children but continues to look at other alternative options.  Lately though she has noticed changes in her happy husband and lets her friend, Julie investigate him.

Robert Bowen loves his new wife and his job.  Everything is being to be perfect until he feels like his wife is changing their life with all this baby talk, and worse the police are taunting him.  The dormant dark side of him is awakening and his next victim is close to home.

Another great mystery by Rick Mofina.  We are aware of the killer's identity early in the novel but Mofina keeps the suspense going with the cat and mouse game and how it will go down.  The reason I gave this book a 3.5 versus a 4 is the ending.  The climax was way too rushed especially as slow as the beginning was.


UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
(J.P. Beaumont: Book One)
Written by J.A. Jance
genre: mystery, suspense

3 Stars 

J.P. Beaumont a homicide detective in Seattle has a new partner and a new case of murder. A young girl is found brutally murdered and the first suspect is the religious group she and her mother belong to. At the little girl's funeral he meets Anne - a beautiful rich woman who is sociologically investigating young victims for her book. As Beaumont and his partner, Peters look into the murder he finds himself drawn to the young woman.

I have read Jance's Ali Reynolds novels and have found to be a good mystery read. I liked this novel well enough and it carried me to the end, but I do not feel the need to continue the series. I feel like I have gotten everything out if the novel that I needed. Beaumont also seems to lack the charm of liking the main character. He seems to have nothing that makes him outstanding. I think listening on audio made me give it a 3 versus maybe a 2


HOLIDAY IN DEATH
(In Death: Book Seven)
Written by JD ROBB

4 STARS  

It is the holiday season and Eve Dallas is bewildered at the task of buying gifts for those she cares about especially her billion dollar husband. As she tries to figure out her shopping a woman is found murdered in her apartment with garland around her throat and a partridge in a pear tree hair clip. As Eve investigates her murder another woman is murder in the same manner and the thing they had in common was they both bought services from a matchmaking company. As the killed targets the lonely looking for love Eve is trying to make it through the festive season which she finds harder than catching a killer.

Loved it. Eve Dallas is a great heroine flawed and insecure yet kick ass. I like the way Robb does not force her to become someone else but rather each novel chips away at her armor. It is done in a way that it is not boring or overly repetitive. Read her novella right after this one as it is almost a continuation piece.  

MIDNIGHT IN DEATH
(In Death: Book 7.5)
Written by JD ROBB

4 STARS  

The story continues with Eve hot off a case that leaves Peabody indisposed so Roarke signs himself up as her deputy. David Palmer a sadistic killer has escaped prison and is going to kill everyone who had a hand in putting him away. As Eve races to recapture Palmer she is reminded of her past and those that love her in the present.

I perfect story - while I would have liked more background and chasing about i think this novella has the right amount of story and satisfying ending. It is less of a marketing tool (ie cliffhanger prequel that makes you buy the next one in order to know what happens) and more of an appreciative gift for fans. This tides you over (momentarily) until the next Eve Dallas book! 
 


love,
kris

The Bath Quadrille...a perfect read for your bath: Review

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE BATH QUADRILLE

(The Bath Trilogy: Book One)
Written by Amanda Scott
genre: historical romance, cozy

4 Stars

Ned and Sybilla have lived more years apart than together in their married lives.  Neither can let the other lead and when rumors drive them apart Sybilla runs back to her family that relies on her to make it through life.  Ned is disgusted with her family and his own pride keeps him from asking his wife to return.  Sybilla feels her father and siblings need her and her fear that Ned loves another keeps her from Ned.

When Ned's mother reluctantly tells him that Sybilla has been send her letters asking for large amounts of money he goes to Bath to confront his wife.  Seeing one another ignites the once dimmed spark and when Brandon - Sybilla's brother - is injured Ned thrusts his help on her.  As they keep being put together they find it harder to part.

A fun romantic comedy set in historical times.  It's predictable and yet that is what is so great about this novel.  You know what is going to happen but still want to go along for the ride.  Ned is dashing and proud and Sybilla is independent and loving.  Add in eccentric fathers, a meddling aunt, scandalous siblings and you have a great afternoon read.

I will be reviewing the remaining two novels in the series in the coming months.



love,
kris

REVIEW: Grey Mask

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

GREY MASK
(Miss. Silver Mystery: Book One)

Written by Patricia Wentworth
genre: cozy mystery, mystery

4 STARS

Margot Standing finds out her father has died and not provided for her future as his lawyer claims there is no will.  As Margot has no proof her parents were ever married her claim over her father's estate is now in the hands of her Egbert.  Egbert was not liked by father or daughter seems cavalier over his uncle's death and fortune.  Overhearing a conversation between her cousin and a strange man Margot discovers her life is in jeopardy. They wish to have her removed so there is no obstacle to the Standing fortune.

Meanwhile Charles Moray has returned home to take over this family estate. After his finacee, Margaret breaks off their engagement he travels to the East to rid his mind of her.  Upon his late night visit to his family home he walks upon strangers conspiring the death of a young heiress.  Charles is all ready to call the police when he spies Margaret among them and soon finds himself hiring a woman detective.  As Margaret, Charles and Margot try to figure out the mystery, Miss Maude Silver has it all figured out.

A fun novel from the late 1920s.  If you like the old classic black and white mysteries, old time radio shows or novels like Agatha Christie you are in for a treat.  Wentworth writes an engaging mystery but I wish we knew more about Miss. Silver.  Like Miss. Marple she is not the story but around the mystery.  I cannot wait to see where this series goes.






love,
kris

Want to follow this blog...

dear readers,

If you wish to follow this blog and know when a review has been posted please follow me on twitter Kris Kaila@anoveladdiction or my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/anoveladdiction  Feel free to message me or make comments.  If you would like book recommendations please do not hesitate  to ask.  And, if you are an author looking for an honest review please let me know :)

love,
kris