I've been a big fan of Steve Berry ever since reading his first book The Amber Room years ago so I was excited to see him start this new spinoff series for his character Luke Daniels.  Luke has appeared in several Cotton Malone novels so this new book The 9th Man offers readers a better look into his character.  

Luke Daniels gets a call from a former friend/flame and rushes to her aid, only to find himself embroiled in a much bigger problem than he first imagined.  The implications of what Luke discovers have far reaching consequences.  Like any Steve Berry novel, there are many different locales and this book is full of the fast paced action I've come to expect.  I am definitely looking forward to more Luke Daniels novels and to see how his character continues to develop.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

I thoroughly enjoyed The Personal Librarian by these two authors so of course I could not wait for their new book The First Ladies.  The First Ladies is a historical fiction novel about the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune.  I was astonished that I had never heard about Mary McLeod Bethune after reading about all her many accomplishments in this book.  Probably one of my favorite things about these two authors is how they draw attention to women whose critical contributions to our world have been lost to history or ignored.  

​The First Ladies 

I think almost anyone who has ever seen the Rockettes perform their famous kick line is always left awestruck, so when I heard that Fiona Davis's book The Spectacular would be set in Radio City Music Hall during the 1950s, you could say I wanted to run, not walk, to get my own copy.  

Marion has loved dancing all her life, but knows that dance doesn't figure prominently into the plans her father has for her.  She is to marry her boyfriend Nathan, become a housewife and raise children, and while there is nothing wrong with that, Marion feels a calling for the stage.  On a whim, she decides to sign up for the Rockettes auditions, and to her surprise, she secures a spot on the troupe.  

Marion's father is furious and wants nothing to do with her, so Marion is forced to make tough choices all while finding her own way in the world.  The long rehearsal hours and the struggle for perfection weigh on Marion, and just as the Christmas Spectacular is kicking off, a bomb explodes in the theater.  The "Big Apple Bomber" has struck again.  He has been terrorizing the city now for 16 years and the police haven't had any real breakthroughs in tracking him down.  Marion finds herself drawn into the case in more ways than one.  

The Spectacular had all the things I love about a Fiona Davis novel, great characters, an iconic historical location and a magnificent plot.  I truly enjoyed The Spectacular and hope you will too.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  

After watching all of the Indiana Jones movies recently, The Antiquity Affair was the perfect book for a summer read.  Set in 1907, the story is told in alternating chapters by sisters Lila, who is just preparing to make her debut into Manhattan society, and Tess, who typically accompanies their archaeologist father on his digs.  The two sisters couldn't be more different but during all of their feuding, they often forget their own similarities.  When Tess is kidnapped, Lila and her father know they must do everything they can to rescue her.  And so begins the race for the legendary Serpent's Crown.  The book truly reads like an Indiana Jones adventure and reminded me also of Clive Cussler's novels.  It's a perfect summer escape to take you back in time on a search for a precious relic that is full of puzzles, twists and turns.  

I enjoyed the audio book version and thought the narrators were spot on for the characters.  I enjoyed the way they brought Tess and Lila to life.  

I received this audio book version courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

What an immersive engaging read this book was! 

Hazel and Flora Lea find themselves being sent into the country for their safety and away from their mother, the only family they have left.  Luckily, they are placed with a loving mother and son who truly take them into their homes and hearts.  But all of that changes the instant Flora Lea goes missing.  Years later, Hazel still hasn't come to terms with Flora's disappearance so when she comes across a book that begins in just the way she used to start her fairy tale stories to Flora, she is sure this is the answer to finding her long lost sister.  

 I was equally drawn into the fairy tale world that Hazel created along with the stories of Hazel and Flora Lea in war torn England, as well as the mystery of who had stolen Hazel's fairy tale world and would it lead them to the missing Flora Lea.  This book just had it all.  A strange disappearance, the strong bond of family, a beautiful love story and the mystery of Flora Lea.  

A must read for any bibliophile or historical fiction reader.  A really lovely book that had me from the very first turn of the page.  I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl provided me with a fun glimpse into 1930s New York and the growing cosmetic market.  I enjoyed this fictional portrayal of how Estee Lauder got her start and the tenacity she showed in developing her brand.  I didn't realize how complex and layered her personal story was and this novel was an interesting way to learn more about her.  

I did struggle at times with feeling that parts of the novel were a bit drawn out or repetitive.  The main character Gloria seems to continually live out the same storyline and while it does seem that she overcomes adversity, the path sometimes felt lengthy.  That being said, I did enjoy the book as a whole and believe that readers having an interest in that time period will enjoy this unique story.  

​I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Her Lost Words provided me with a glimpse into the lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley.  I was not too familiar with either of these amazing women and was eager to dive into their worlds.  

The book was well researched and told their stories in alternating chapters.  At times, I did find the plots to mirror each other almost too well in that I would get a little lost as to which Mary I was reading about, but both women lived incredible lives.  I appreciate historical fiction novels for shedding light on women who have been lost to history in a way.  I can definitely see how this book would inspire the reader to read the works of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley to learn more about these talented women.  

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Pippa never imagined what trouble would come with their cottage on the cliff.  The cliff is a frequent spot for those wanting to end their lives and her husband Gabe has talked so many off the ledge.  But when one night he isn't able to save someone, and later Pippa finds out that he knew the woman, Pippa begins to question what she thought she knew about her husband and her marriage.

I simply can't get enough of Sally Hepworth's writing.  She perfectly navigates storylines from multiple perspectives and weaves a tale that always has me guessing right up until the end.  Her portrayals of the family dynamic are so interesting and insightful.  Another 5 star read for me!.  

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

I couldn't wait to read this book to learn more about Arthur Truluv since I fell in love with him and the town of Mason, Missouri in The Story of Arthur Truluv.  

This novel is a perfect addition to the series, but in a way it's also a prequel of sorts so I think it could be read as a standalone as well.  I enjoyed the story of how Arthur and Nola met and how their relationship developed over time.  I also appreciated learning more about Arthur's childhood.  

Elizabeth Berg writes a beautiful story and Earth's the Right Place for Love was no exception.  

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.