Cotton Malone is back and that fact always makes me a happy reader!  Cotton witnesses the theft of a precious Christian relic and finds himself thrust into the middle of a a plot to sell incriminating information against the president of Poland to the highest bidder, with the U.S. and Russia, among other players, wanting to secure their spot at the auction.  The novel moves forward at a blistering pace as Cotton delves deeper into the situation and tries to protect his former boss Stephanie Nelle and a former lover working for the Polish government.  

The Warsaw Protocol is a strong installment in the Cotton Malone series.  I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the salt mines and the action taking place there.  I always appreciate how well researched Mr. Berry's books are and I know when I've finished one of his novels, I've learned about something new and in an entertaining way.

I received this book courtesy of Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

I've found that I am big fan of Elizabeth Berg's writing.  I've had the privilege of reading both The Story of Arthur Truluv and the Night of Miracles.  Both of these novels are so rich and powerful.  The Confession Club continues the stories of the residents of Mason, Missouri, but each one of these books can truly be read as a stand alone novel.  I just love how Elizabeth Berg creates the quintessential small town feel but doesn't make it corny or demeaning in any way.  The characters are fully developed and personal.  The storylines feel classic, but also timely.  If you haven't visited the town of Mason through one of Elizabeth Berg's novels, I highly encourage you to book your literary trip today.  

The Confession Club is a group of wormen who instead of discussing attending a traditional book club, they decide to each share a truth about themselves, or a confession if you will.  Through this process, we catch glimpses of each woman and their true selves.  The novel centers around Iris Winters and Maddy Harris.  Iris Winters is conflicted about feelings she has for a man she recently met that has a troubled past.  Maddy's marriage seems to be in trouble and she isn't sure what she should do.  The story unfolds and each woman begins to navigate their own path.  I truly enjoyed all the characters in this story and the way the plot line developed.

I received this book courtesy of Random House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.    

When You See Me is another stellar novel by Lisa Gardner.  I know that I can always count on her to write a novel that keeps me guessing until the very last page and moves at a blistering pace.  When You See Me was no exception.  

I really love how Lisa Gardner has brought together three of my favorite characters: Former abductee turned vigilante Flora Dane, Sergeant D.D. Warren and FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy.  With these three strong and unique female characters, no villains or criminals stand a chance.  

In the Georgia woods, hikers discover bones that may be from a victim of Jacob Ness, who was Flora Dane's abductor.  Given that information, Flora, D.D. and Kimberly descend upon Georgia in hopes of not only determining who the bones belong to, but also further tracing the trail Jacob Ness left behind.  It quickly becomes clear that while these bones might be decades old, there is much more going on in the small town.  

Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors and I truly would recommend her books to anyone looking for an engaging thriller.  You don't have to read the series in order and can really pickup any selection to dive right in.  

I received this book courtesy of Penguin Group Dutton through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Before and After tells the compelling real life stories of adoptees from the Tennessee Children's Home Society.  After reading Before We Were Yours and feeling so drawn into that storyline, I really appreciated learning more about the history behind Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Home Society.  Before and After brings attention to the heartbreaking stories of those children that found themselves victims of Georgia Tann's schemes. It seemed that many of those affected were able to find some sense of closure by attending the reunion and sharing their stories with the authors.  

I would recommend this book as a companion read to Before We Were Yours.  I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood has to be one of my favorite literary characters.  The Shopaholic series has given me more laugh out loud moments than any other book series I have read.  So of course it seems like a no-brainer that the latest installment should tackle the Christmas season with all its associated shopping and stressful holiday family story lines.  

Becky is looking forward to a stress-free Christmas at her mum and dad's house, when they casually inform her that they are renting the house out to Jess, Becky's half sister, and her husband Martin.  Becky's mum and dad are moving to an up and coming neighborhood to try out all the new things the younger generation is enjoying.  Not only will Becky be hosting Christmas for the first time at her home, but she's trying to balance the demands of her parents, her vegan non-consumerist sister Jess and husband Martin along with Martin's parents, and Becky's best friend Suz and her family.  Becky is determined to make it the best Christmas ever and that no one goes without his/her favorite requests, including a vegan turkey.  Becky's also determined to find just the right gift for her husband Luke and simply won't settle for the same tired aftershave.  This quest for the perfect gift has its own twists and turns that add to the plot.  

Becky's exploits never get old for me and I could laugh along every day of the year.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Finding Chika is a beautiful tribute to the young girl that came to Mitch and Janine Albom's home, leaving an indelible impact on their lives and all of the lives she touched during her life. It is a poignantly written novel that captures the joy young Chika brought to all that she did and how resilient her spirit was.   

Mitch Albom, as always, has a special way of writing that conveys so much emotion through his words.  I appreciate his work in writing this book so that Chika can be remembered by those who did not have the opportunity to meet her.  

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

The Giver of Stars hits all the right notes as a great piece of historical fiction!  

Set in Kentucky during the depression, we get to meet five women who became known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.  The story mostly focuses on Alice Van Cleve who came to America with her new husband Bennett Van Cleve, and finds life isn't exactly what she envisioned.  Desperate for some escape from her restrictive home environment, Alice is one of the first volunteers for Eleanor Roosevelt's new traveling library and finds a life she never knew she needed.  

​Margery O'Hare has a deep love of books and her hometown, but struggles with the family reputation that has been saddled to her.  She is deeply committed to the traveling library initiative and quickly becomes a leader for the other women with her unconventional ways.  

I felt that this novel had all the elements for an enjoyable and memorable book.  The characters were unique and well developed.  The historical fiction aspect was compelling and timely.  The plot had adventure, mystery, and intrigue with the right amount of romance.  A strong four star read for me.  I very much enjoyed learning more about the Packhorse Librarians and definitely would recommend this book.

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

Lisa Jewell never fails to disappoint with her style of writing that keeps you turning pages and guessing until the very end.  The Family Upstairs is full of suspense as we meet Libby Jones who has just recently learned that she has inherited the abandoned mansion on the Thames that belonged to her birth parents.  As she delves deeper into the story of her family, it couldn't get more complicated and full of more questions than answers.  

I always enjoy Lisa Jewell's work and love that I can count on her books to quench my appetite for an intriguing story filled with twists and turns.  

I received this book courtesy of Atria Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

While I was reading this book, all I could think about was how much I wished I could visit the Printed Letter Bookshop.  It sounded like the most amazing hometown bookstore and I just wanted to be a part of the atmosphere there.  The way the author described the store and the characters, it truly felt like a place I could just walk down the street and open the door to go in.  

Madeline Cullen is shocked to find out that she is inheriting her estranged aunt Maddie's bookstore and home.  Madeline is right in the midst of hopefully being named partner of the law firm where she works and has no desire to run a bookstore.  However Madeline finds her planned future taking a detour and decides to see why her aunt would leave the bookstore to her.  When Madeline arrives she meets the two store employees Janet and Claire, who each have their own views on the store's future and Madeline's involvement.  

There are so many amazing moments in this book with touching literary references that made it the kind of book you want to hold on to long after turning the last page.  It was such a rewarding experience to see the journey Madeline, Janet and Claire traveled on.  I grew to love each one of those fascinating ladies and appreciate their individual stories.    

Highly recommend this book to my fellow bibliophiles. You will want to curl up in your favorite chair and dive into The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

I received this book courtesy of Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

The Santa Claus Chronicles is a heartwarming glimpse into the life of Dan Short and his experiences serving as Santa Claus.  He tells stories of different interesting people he has met over the years and also sheds light on his personal journey to becoming Santa Claus.  His narrative makes it clear that Santa is an iconic figure who means so many things to so many people and in so many different ways.  This book would make a special holiday gift and reminds us all of the true meaning of the season.  

I received this book courtesy of Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.