Susan's Review of Perfectly Famous by Emily Liebert

As a mother and a famous author, Ward DeFleur has it all. She lives in a beautiful estate in picture-perfect Connecticut, along with her teenage daughter, Stevie, where nothing can go wrong. Until, one night, when Stevie is brutally murdered and Ward’s entire world is shattered. Consumed by panic and grief, Ward vows never to put pen to paper again.

Enter Bree Bennett.

Bree is a recently-divorced, former-journalist-cum-housewife, desperate to fill her days with something other than Pilates classes and grocery shopping. So she decides to start writing for the town newspaper. What begins as Bree’s effort to tell Ward’s tragic narrative turns into a fixation with finding her favorite author. Unfortunately, Ward doesn’t want to be found. Even worse, Stevie’s killer is still on the loose…

A chance encounter connects journalist Bree Bennett with author Ward DeFleur. On paper, the two woman have a lot in common; both have 16 year old daughters, live in the same town and both of them write for a living. The well-defined, complex characters and the fast-paced plot drew me into the story immediately.

Emily Liebert tells the story of bestselling author Ward DeFleur and Journalist Bree Bennet from the first person viewpoint by alternating chapters. I enjoyed this narrative choice because I was able to understand each characters feelings and motivations. This technique also heightened both the tension and the mystery elements in this page turner. Ward DeFleur is a bestselling author who vanishes after her daughter is kidnapped and dies. Ward disappears without a trace. Bree feels a connection with Ward and decides to tell Ward’s story.

The author creates outstanding female characters in this book. Loved Bree’s relationship with her mom and best friend Maggie. Bree’s mom is hilarious. She cares for Bree by trying to fix her up on dates with her friend’s sons. And she advises Bree to update her Facebook page with a photo with makeup. A subtle way of saying Bree needs to step up her image to find her next husband. Maggie is Bree’s true north friend-they share everything. Maggie is a psychologist and understands Bree’s need to move on emotionally. The push pull relationship between teenage Chloe and Bree was spot on. I understood Bree’s desire to reinvent herself after her divorce. She’s no longer someone’s wife; and her cookie baking and carpool days are behind her.

I figured out who was out to get Ward early on in the novel and I was patiently waiting for Bree to put the puzzle pieces together. I was invested in Bree’s desire to find Ward and to tell her story. The mystery of Ward’s disappearance held my interest—how can someone disappear in this age of the internet and social media?

In my opinion, the last few chapters seamed rushed and didn’t resonate with the feel of the book. I felt that the conclusion was more dramatic than suspenseful. The last page came out of nowhere and I have had a hard time believing the resolution.

Would I read another book by this author? Yes, I would. I enjoyed the fast paced suspenseful storyline and thought the characters of Bree, Maggie and Chloe and Ward were complex yet, very relatable.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Net Galley

Susan's Review of Baby Dreams in Good hope by Cindy Kirk

Marigold Rallis is not the type to fall to pieces. The youngest Bloom sister makes managing marriage, career, and a busy life in Good Hope look easy. But looks can be deceiving. Years of struggling with infertility while her sisters fill their nurseries have started to take a toll.
It’s not just Marigold who is feeling the stress. Her husband, Cade, Good Hope’s Sheriff, is acting strange. There are unexplained trips to Milwaukee, as well as mysterious texts and calls with his former fiancée.
Marigold’s heart tells her Cade would never cheat, but something is going on between him and his ex. She just needs to find out what…One thing is certain: She and Cade were born to be together. Whatever new challenge is coming their way, Marigold won’t give up on Cade and their dream of building a life—and a family—together.

Baby Dreams in Good Hope is a charming, poignant story that tugs at your heart strings. Author Cindy Kirk has chronicled Cade and Marigold Bloom Rallis’ infertility struggle in several of the Good Hope novels. As Marigold’s sisters and friends were having babies, she and her husband took out a bank loan to finance IVF treatments , sold their piece of waterfront property and were about to move into a Victorian home in the heart of Good Hope.

I emphasized with Marigold’s desire and her struggles to have a child. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive writing style is spot on in this novel. I could see the surprise and hurt on Marigold’s face when she learns her sister is expecting a second child at a family dinner. And feel her pain. I could understand why an emotional, overwrought Marigold thought Cade was cheating on her. A phone call from an ex-girlfriend caused her to jump on an emotional rollercoaster.

The novel features several of my favorite people; Marigold’s sisters, her friend Bea (Bachelor Games in Good Hope) and Gladys, the town’s fortune teller & matchmaker. I loved catching up with these characters and how they provided emotional support, understanding and unconditional love to Marigold and Cade. Loved Gladys and her predictions—and am hoping they come true!

Baby Dreams in Good Hope reads like a novel. The characters are relatable, the fast-paced storyline has several unexpected plot twists and is perfectly written. And, there’s a hint from Gladys that there might be more surprises for Marigold and Cade.

I adore Cindy Kirk’s Good Hope series. If you are looking for a feel-good read that’s all about friendship, love and hope this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased at amazon.

Susan's Review of A Duke By Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes

Nathaniel Rothmere, Duke of Rothhaven, is not amused. His orchard has been invaded by a herd of pigs, Yes, pigs; the 400 -pound variety! And they belong to his neighbor- the pesky Althea Wentworth. Lady Althea needs the Duke’s help. She has written him, visited him but has not met him. Nathaniel Rothmere’s reputation proceeds him. He’s antisocial, grumpy and rude. Althea needs the Duke’s help to learn how to fit into local society.

I adored the pairing of the strong- willed, proud Althea with the reclusive, compassionate Nathaniel Rothmere. The pigs in the orchard scene was fabulously written and entertaining. It drew me into the story immediately. Althea was thrust into polite society when her brother unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. She was not welcomed by her peers and has decided to retreat to her country estate. Althea’s desire for a husband, family and home resonated with me. She wanted something that most people take for granted.

It took me a few chapters to warm up to Nathaniel. I adored the servants Treegum, Elgin and Thatcher who took care of Nathaniel, his run down estate and kept his secrets. The trio of servants added a lot of love and laughter to the story. Loved Nathaniel’s secret visits to Lynley Vale. The friendship and ensuing romance which developed between Althea and the Nathaniel is perfectly paced. Nathaniel can’t help himself; he desires Althea. But, Nathaniel has is keeping a secret- a secret that prevents him from pursuing his own happiness.

Grace Burrowes is a gifted storyteller who creates memorable characters that are relatable. I emphasized Althea’s desire for a child, her determination to not be bullied by her peers and her love for Nathaniel. I understood why Nathan and his servants were so dedicated in keeping their secret. Loved the family bonds between both the Wentworths and Rothmeres. Stephen Wentworth is featured in this novel—loved his nosy conversations with Milly, Althea’s companion. He loves to be in the middle of family drama.

A Duke by Any Other Name can be read as a stand-alone novel. It’s an entertaining read filled with secrets, surprises and romance. The conclusion to this novel is fast-paced and perfectly written. As Nathaniel struggles with an important decision, Althea hosting a dinner for the local gentry attended by the town’s biggest gossip who has set her sights on her. Will Nathaniel support Althea and attend her event?

Grace Burrowes choice to set up a fantastic story for Constance and Robert instead of writing the usual six month happily ever after epilogue was fabulous! I was so intrigued by the pairing of Constance and Robert that I preordered The Truth About Dukes!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon.