Lethal Prey by John Sandford - Book Review

A Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers Novel

I have been a fan of John Sandford’s books since his first one (Rules of Prey) published in 1989.  Sandford has written 35 books in the ‘Prey’ series, featuring Lucas Davenport as the main character. In 2007, Sandford began the Virgil Flowers series ~ now totaling 12 books. 

Both series are police procedurals in the mystery/thriller genre, with the main characters being in law enforcement. By the time we meet Virgil Flowers (in Book #1 - Dark of the Moon), both Virgil and Lucas work for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Davenport is nominally Virgil’s boss.

By Book 31 in the Prey series, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers have begun handling difficult cases together. Lethal Prey is the 4th novel starring this pair of investigators, providing, as always, a very interesting mystery to solve, plus giving the reader an extremely amusing time with their delightful ongoing ‘cop’ humor. 

Synopsis of Lethal Prey

Lethal Prey (A Prey Novel)

In Lethal Prey, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers have once again joined forces, this time to try and solve a 20 year old cold case crime and track down a ruthless killer who will do whatever it takes to keep the past buried. 

The crime was the murder of Doris Grandfelt, an employee at an accounting firm who was brutally stabbed to death.  Despite her twin sister Lara Grandfelt’s persistent calls to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the killer was never found.

Now Lara, diagnosed with breast cancer and confronted with the possibility of her own death, is determined to find Doris’ killer. She offers a $5 million reward for information leading to the killer’s arrest. To this end, she releases the entire investigative file online onto true crime sites. Dozens of true crime bloggers show up looking for new evidence and leads (toward a share of the reward). The problem is, all discoveries have to be reviewed and followed up by Lucas and Virgil. 

The crime bloggers DO end up providing new clues and leads, which is helpful to the detectives. But they also blast every clue online, allowing the killer, whose identity the reader knows in Chapter One, to keep one step ahead. As the killer eliminates more people to prevent the detectives from discovering the identity of the murderer, Lucas and Virgil find the whole case not only frustrating, but deadly. 

Summary

The ending leaves some things unresolved, thus leaving the reader to decide how things work out both for the killer and with Virgil's future plans. Or, perhaps Sandford is just leaving it open for a future follow-up book). 

This non-standard Sandford ending has caused readers’ reviews to be mixed, with some finding this lack of conclusion disappointing. Others, such as myself, found the story very interesting, and the witty banter between Virgil and Lucas highly entertaining. I am never disappointed with any John Sandford novel and enjoyed Lethal Prey very much. 

Related Reviews:

• For more reviews of books by John Sandford, Click Here
• For more book reviews, click on ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Lethal Prey is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

I must admit, I was rather sad when I finished reading the third book in the series, "A Chronicle of Misadventures".  I thoroughly enjoyed all of the misadventures of the brothers.  I felt a bit lost and wondered what could I possibly read next that would even come close to this series.  Suffice it to say, even though I am always reading a book, they are not all as captivating as this series.

We met the Yorke brothers in the first book, "Reputation at Risk".  An underlying concern for the family in all of the books, is Silas Yorke's situation.  He has been accused of murder and subsequently left England to hide out in France.  His time in France was quite difficult.  He had to find a way to survive in a foreign country without any friends or family, plus he suffered illness. Unfortunately, most of his family believed he must be guilty since an esteemed member of Parliament claims to have witnessed the murder.  It takes time for the family to conclude that Silas was falsely accused.  

We follow Silas's plight through each book.  We can almost feel his desperation to prove his innocence and return to his normal life, home and family.  When he sneaks back to England in the second book and hides in his brother, William's guest house, we come to adore this impetuous and somewhat mischievous character. 

Book 3 is all about Silas and his misadventures incognito in London. 

 

Synopsis of A Reckless Courtship

 A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)Check PriceSilas Yorke is determined to find someone who will help him prove his innocence.  His accuser, Lord Drayton, would rather see him hanged or stay excelled in France, than to see him free.  

Silas has been told that Sir Walter Bence has fallen out with Lord Drayton over a failed joint business venture.  Silas assumed a false name and returned to London with his youngest brother, Frederick, who plans to introduce him to Bence in the hopes that they can join together against Drayton.  

As luck would have it, there is a masquerade in Vauxhall Gardens.  The brothers believe Silas can go into the crowd and not be recognized by anyone, especially since he will be wearing a domino (a long hooded cloak with a mask).  It would be the perfect opportunity for Frederick to innocently chance upon Sir Bence and introduce him to Silas.  Plus, they have two friends that will also be attending the party, so Silas should be able to blend in without a problem.  One of the friends is even meeting his aunt, cousin and her friend there.  The group should give Silas plenty of cover.  

When the group gets separated momentarily, Silas is late for the introductions to the women, but that matters not.  He is there for only one reason.  However, when one of the young women gets her costume caught in a bush and inadvertently left behind, Silas steps forward to help her.  She is rightfully leery of any stranger and insists she can manage for herself.  She does manage to get untangled and Silas simply says, "when I see Fairchild, I shall inform him his cousin is safe" which informs her that she really would have been safe to accept his aid, but he has already disappeared.  Now, Arabella realizes she must find her group which had moved on ahead.  When she is approached by two inebriated men, she is quite frightened and runs, headlong into Silas's arms.  She smacks his arm and states "what sort of gentleman leaves his wife in a maze such as this?"  Silas willingly plays along, the men apologize and take off in the opposite direction.

 

________________

And, that is how A Reckless Courtship begins, but their odd meeting is not the only thing reckless about Silas continuing to pursue Arabella!     

  

 

Reputation at Risk: a Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1)

Secrets of a Duke: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)

A Reckless Courtship: A Regency Romance (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 3)

Review of A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 3 by Martha Keyes by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Book Review- Peaches and Peril

 

                                                 Peaches and Peril by Karen C Whalen

I just finished another delightful book by Karen Whalen.  This one is part of her Dinner Club series of mysteries.  It features Jane Marsh and a cast of interesting characters. This book had me guessing who the murderer was till almost the end of the book.  It was a great page-turner.

Book Synopsis

This book begins when Jane Marsh and some of her fellow dinner club members went for a weekend to enjoy the Peach Festival in a small Colorado town and look to finalize preparations for Jane's upcoming wedding.  In the beginning we find the characters at a Murder Mystery game  at the B&B where they are staying.  Each of the attendees is in costume for their character in the "Murder Mystery Game" and they all have notes about their characters.  Jane messes up early on by mistakenly revealing that she is the killer.  This pretty much brings the mystery to a halt and the participants end up calling it an early evening.  Now the real mystery will begin when Jane comes across a dead body in the B&B.

The police are called and everyone that has attended or worked at the B&B, including the members of the Diner Club, become suspects.  The book continues with Jane trying to figure out the killer.  There is much at stake including the reputation of the B&B and the small town election for mayor.  This is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to have an opinion.  

If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of characters and possible suspects this is the book for you.  I didn't guess the killer till almost the end and it was fun to follow Jane's logic on who might be the culprit.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peaches and Peril

More Book Reviews by Karen Whalen   

      Karen has written three different series of cozy mysteries.  The are: A Tow Truck Murder Mystery, A Dinner Club Murder Mystery and A Sea Oaks Beach Murder Mystery.  I have written reviews on several of the books.  Here are links to my reviews.

• Book Review- Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach
•  Book Review of Everything Bundt the Truth
• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oaks Beach
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash                   

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

This is Why We Lied ~ Book Review

A Will Trent Thriller by Karen Slaughter

Karin Slaughter’s latest Will Trent thriller is filled with twists, turns, shocks and surprises. The story includes one very toxic family who run a lodge in the gorgeous northern Georgia mountains, 8 suspicious guests, and one killer. But since everyone appears to be guilty of something, who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Synopsis of This is Why We Lied

This Is Why We Lied: A Will Trent Thriller―A Gripping Murder Mystery Set in an Off-the-Grid Lodge Where Everyone is a Suspect (Will Trent, 12)

Will Trent works as an investigator for the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). Throughout the series, he first met, then began dating, Sara Linton, an ER doctor in Atlanta. Sara eventually takes the position of Medical Examiner for the GBI. 

Now in Book #12, we find that Will & Sara have married. They choose the McAlpine Lodge in the Georgia mountains as the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon. 

This family-owned off-the-grid mountaintop property appears to be the perfect place  to unplug and reconnect. Until…. A bone-chilling scream disturbs the night.

Who killed Mercy McAlpine?

Will finds the manager of the Lodge, Mercy McAlpine, dead. A  vicious storm is raging and the one access road to the property becomes washed out.  Therefore, it becomes obvious that the murderer has to be someone on the mountain.

As Will and Sara begin to investigate both the very strange McAlpine family, as well as the other guests, they realize that everyone is lying.  They are lying about their past and to their family and to themselves. Normal rules do not seem to apply at McAlpine Lodge.

Trapped on the mountain at the resort, Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step while they untangle a decades-old web of secrets and discover what happened to Mercy. The killer could strike again at any time, so the couple’s romantic honeymoon trip now becomes a race against the clock as they realize they have to return to their regular police duties to solve a murder! 

Summary

In addition to 12 books in the Will Trent series of police procedurals, with continuing characters Will Trent and Sara Linton, along with Will’s partner Faith Mitchell and their no-nonsense boss Amanda, Will Trent is now a television series. The TV series is in its third season and can be viewed Tuesday nights on ABC or streamed on HULU.  

• Will Trent Book Series
• Will Trent TV - Season 1
• Will Trent TV trailer

For more Book Reviews check out ReviewThisBooks.com 

*This is Why We Lied Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Review of Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

Last week, I published my review of the first book in the Chronicle of Misadventures series by Martha Keyes.  This week, I will be reviewing the second book in the series, "Secrets of a Duke" which is based on a true story.  

I must admit, if the author had not shared that the book is based on a true story, I would have thought the plot far-fetched. Knowing that it actually happened, makes me like the character, William Yorke, even more. 

We meet William Yorke in the first book.  He is the oldest brother of 4 and has already inherited his father's estate and holdings.  The novels are set in England during the 1800's where the first born son inherits everything instead of dividing property and assets between siblings.  That way, the family name maintains the wealth, a higher status in society and the original estate is not subdivided or transferred outside of the patriarch's ancestral bloodline.  If a man only has daughters, his property is entailed to the closest male heir, which could easily be a distant relative he may not even know personally.  Ideally, a Duke would raise his son to follow in his footsteps, teach him how to run the estate, prepare his son to succeed him in parliament, and choose an equally trained wife.

An entailment to a distant male relative is the basis of the plot of this book.  The Duke of Rockwood knew the Yorke family, but was not fond of them.  Therefore, the two families did not interact with each other, which left William unprepared to be the Duke's successor.

 

Secrets of a Duke Book Synopsis

 Secrets of a Duke (A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 2)Check Price

At the end of the first book, "Reputation at Risk", we find out that William Yorke has unexpectedly become the Duke of Rockwood. No one could have anticipated that the previous duke and his sons would all die together in a tragic accident. Therefore, William is far from prepared to step into the dukedom and assume the Duke's responsibilities.  William hires a friend from his Oxford days to advise him and serve as his man of business.  Since their time at Oxford, Edmund had become a barrister (lawyer) and worked as the steward to an earl.  As a trusted friend, he was the perfect man to help William navigate the world of the titled nobility.  William did not wish to dishonor his family by making avoidable missteps.  There would be many watching and waiting for the opportunity to criticize his actions.

After attending the funeral and completing additional business, William and Edmund embark on their journey from London to his newly inherited estate.  When they stop at an inn for the night, William is surprised to see a woman serving as the ostler and holding the horses while they step out of the carriage.  He is even more surprised when that same woman knocks on his room door a bit later.  He had not realized he had dropped his signet ring in the entry of the inn.  Thankfully, she found it and returned it to him.  He was amazed by her integrity, but when she spoke, he was even more astonished by her refined manner of speech.  

The next day he observes that same maid being pulled to the market square.  Her cheek was cut, her hands were tied and a horse's halter was around her neck.  William was aghast!  When he asked a passing boy what was happening, he was informed that the men were selling her.  He simply could not stand by and let her be sold like livestock to the highest bidder in the crowd, but that was exactly what was going to happen.  Even though Edmund advised him against it, William determined to be the highest bidder.  He would buy her freedom.

Clara couldn't believe what was happening.  The embarrassment of being sold, plus having the Duke observe the auction, was shameful.  She had no idea how to respond when he actually bought her.  She was panic stricken when she realized he planned to simply leave her there and requested a job on his estate.  

Once again, against Edmund's advice, William decided to help her and hire her as a housemaid.

 

_____________

 

That is only the beginning of how William Yorke, the Duke of Rockwood, and a lowly housemaid became friends, confidants, and allies in working toward another loved ones freedom.

 

 

Review of Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

De Facto Pathfinder ~ A Book Review

 Retired Army Veteran Cesare Giannetti has written an interesting book dealing with all kinds of reactions to military personnel who find themselves in difficult physical, emotional and mental places after serving for their country. De Facto Pathfinder is a book I know you will enjoy!

Chris Longo (our de facto Pathfinder) is himself a veteran of five years of service in the military.  Now a couple of decades later he finds himself in a dead-end dull state run agency that serves the veteran community.  He feels that he is not making any kind of difference in the lives of the veterans he is serving. Disillusioned,  he decides that he needs a new job and a new start!   He's really not sure of what or where this might lead, but, he has enough saved up to just coast for a little while.

Chris is still struggling after a couple of months when he gets a call from his previous employer with a job offer!  He's not interested in going back to doing what he was doing before as he never had a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, so what could this new "job" be?

Well let's just say that the Department of Defense has a new program to help veterans that are in dire need of help.  He is offered the lead on a national pilot program that would have him travelling across the country to counsel these lost veterans and hopefully help them find their way back to a fulfilling life.

Each Veteran he meets has a great need for some intervention.  All of them are unique and yet all of them are in trouble making their lives make sense to themselves and their loved ones.

Chris is not a "doctor", "mental heath practitioner" or in any way a qualified psychologist, yet as he starts out on his new mission he finds that it's better for himself and those he's trying to help that he isn't a professional.  

I don't want to give to much of the book away, but must tell you that I found this book to be very interesting for both the people we meet and how Chris manages to find the "sweet spot" in each of them.  All together the stories of each life will keep you turning the pages and in the end I'm sure that you will come to some very interesting conclusions!  

This book is a real eye opener for everyone to read whether you are military or not!  There are life lessons be be learned that can help you too.

Put De Facto Pathfinder on your radar of books to read, I'm sure you won't regret it!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures by Martha Keyes

For sometime now, I have considered Martha Keyes one of my favorite authors.  She always delivers a sweet and clean romance with witty repartee between the characters.  Her "Chronicle of Misadventures" series is no exception and kept me so entertained that I couldn't put the books down to sleep.  Plus, I immediately downloaded the next book as soon as I finished each one.

"Reputation at Risk" is the perfect place to start.  There are 3 brothers in the series who each meet their future wives, but none of the relationships are a guaranteed success in the beginning.  All of the plots are fabulous and unique.  

As in all great Regency Romance novels, the setting is England, in the early 1800's where families, titles, age, etc. mattered.  A woman's value is determined by the prominent man in her life; first her father, then her husband.  Her personal accomplishments are not a consideration, unless they are related to her value as a bride or wife.   

 

Reputation at Risk Book Synopsis

 Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures Book 1Check Price

Charlotte Mandeville is not trying to "hook" a husband like most young women of the 1800's in England.  She is simply trying to save money to provide for her mother, her sisters and herself since her father recently died.  The women are all awaiting the heir of their home and their inevitable need to find somewhere else to live.  Charlotte wants to be financially prepared.  In the meantime, Charlotte secretly draws caricatures of members of the "ton".  Her artwork is purchased by the owner of the inn in town and he displays it in his front window.  The innkeeper happily pays Charlotte for each of the popular one-of-a-kind caricatures.  The new, weekly caricatures draw quite a bit of attention and business to his inn and tavern.  The more scandalous actions depicted in the caricature, the more attention they draw as people speculate about the subject, as well as the artist's identity.  Clearly, the artist knows their subjects well.  However, no one would suspect Charlotte Mandeville is the artist.  The source of the gossip varies since it is based on overheard conversations within the inn.  One of the waitresses, Mary, shares the stories with Charlotte, then Charlotte draws the caricature and delivers it to the innkeeper or waitress when no one is looking.  

While waiting on one particularly busy day in the inn, Charlotte finds a small book hidden under a table and sticks it in her purse hoping for a fresh bit of gossip and replaces it with the new caricature for Mary to retrieve later.  When Anthony Yorke finds a caricature in place of the book he sought under the table, he recalls seeing Charlotte with her hands under that very table when he arrived at the inn.  Had she taken the book?  Anthony needs that diary to save his brother from being hung for a murder he did not commit.  He absolutely has to find that diary, which means he has to find that woman!  Once he obtains her name and address, he leaves the inn intending to first meet with his informant, and then with Miss. Mandeville if she, in fact, has taken the diary.

That is when life for Charlotte becomes a lot more interesting.  She, herself, could become the subject of gossip if not extremely careful.

Anthony Yorke finds himself entangled with Charlotte Mandeville and caught in an unexpected predicament just trying to protect his brother.

 

___________________

 

The drama that follows the diary discovery is quite entertaining for the reader, especially the hopeless romantic who loves a touch of mystery and intrigue.

The things I love most about Martha Keyes' books are the witty banter between her characters and the unusual dilemmas they seem to get themselves into.  Meeting secretively with a man, regardless of the reasons why, is certainly putting a reputation at risk.

Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures, Book 1 by Martha Keyes by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Book Reviews: The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024

I finally ordered The Complete America's Test Kitchen cookbook. I am glad I waited because I ended up being able to order the most recent edition. This HUGE cookbook is full of amazing recipes, all of the extra tips and information they include in the show, and many photos of the finished dishes. I highly recommend this 1,200+ page cookbook.

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV

America's Test Kitchen has been a popular food show on the PBS channel for many years. They've been described as using "culinary science" and familiar cooking techniques to create delicious recipes. While I don't understand culinary science, I can agree that this is what they do. I just watched an episode this morning where they discussed the benefits of overcooking certain vegetables (eggplant, beans, and broccoli) to release certain properties and to bring out certain flavors. Each of those vegetables were releasing different ingredients. I don't understand that. But I love that they explain it briefly, while giving a delicious recipe that even I could make.

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV is a HUGE cookbook. It is advertised as:

• nearly 2,000 recipes from 24 seasons
• updated shopping guide for equipment and ingrediants
• notes and tips from the Test Kitchen Chefs
• 1280 pages
• Weighs 8 lbs and measures 8.63 x 2.38 x 11.25
• approximately 4.6/4.7 out of 5 stars review on Amazon/Goodreads (at the time I am writing this). It seems that deductions were related to damage during shipping and those who do not like the size of the book.

Did I mention that this book is HUGE? Some of the reviews on Amazon state that they don't like the size and weight of the book. I don't mind that. I love that all of the recipes from 24 TV seasons are included.  I like the print size (not too small), the paper quality (glossy and thick), and that there are photos on almost every page (either of the recipe or the instructional, how-to photos). 

Personal Thoughts:

I love watching America's Test Kitchen. I am not good in the kitchen so I appreciate how they explain what they are doing and why. I appreciate that many of their recipes are made with ingredients that I can find versus more exotic or hard to find ingredients.  

America's Test Kitchen does use many gadgets at times: food processors, certain pots or pans, etc. And I don't have those things. But, there are many, many recipes that utilize the things that I already have in my kitchen. 

I finally ordered this book, the newest edition, after watching a show with the Vegetable Bibimbap recipe. This is an "iconic Korean dish". Or, in my thoughts, a rice dish with good flavor and lots of vegetable options; vegetables I hope to grow in my garden this year. In the cookbook (page 572), the paragraph "why this recipe works" talks about the origin of the recipe and substituting a cast-iron dutch oven for the traditional stone bowl. I can hardly wait to try this recipe! I enjoy rice and vegetables, one-pot meals, and I like to try easy - but different - flavors. 

I am so thrilled that I finally purchased this cookbook. And that by the time I purchased it, the newest edition was available. I am not bothered by the weight and size of the book. I am very happy that the tips, notes, and substitutions discussed on the show episodes are included in the book.

I hope to use this book to do more garden-to-table cooking and become more successful in the kitchen. I highly recommend this cookbook.

Related Links:

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV on Amazon 

The official America's Test Kitchen website which includes information about joining and what their membership includes. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Our Adoption Story, Book Review

Our Adoption Story: The Story of How We Met Our Baby, is a book for adoptive parents to fill out, so that each one can tell the story of how they met their baby.

This book has guided prompts to help the adoptive parents fill in the blanks, so that they can write their own adoption story, and also share information about their baby, such as how meeting their baby came about, things they did the day that they brought their baby home, things they did to prepare ahead of time for bringing their baby home, etc.

Some pages also include little images to help out with the written prompts, as a fun way for the parents to personalize their story.

There are also pages that include a simple picture frame to add a picture to help depict what that page is about.

The inspiration behind this book:

My husband and I became adoptive parents decades ago. It was before the internet, so most exchanges of information were done locally, and or reading magazines, finding a group, etc.

When a couple becomes adoptive parents, things can happen rather quickly. Adoptive parents can find out that they are 'expecting' their baby anywhere from a day, to weeks, or months, before their baby is ready for adoption. It can be a whirlwind to prepare and get things ready for the day, for this new bundle of life to enter their lives. Some perspective adoptive parents can also be on a waiting list that can take even longer.

We actually found out about our potential baby around a couple of weeks before the baby was to be born. We didn't know for sure which gender we were 'expecting', but we at least had an idea. We purchased baby clothes, a crib, a dresser that included a changing table on the top. We waited to see what formula the hospital was feeding our baby, before purchasing baby formula. We also purchased diapers, both cloth and disposables.

The day came and we were both excited and nervous. But all of that changed once our baby was handed to us.

We had already made an appointment with a local pediatrician; our first stop before arriving home was with with the pediatrician. There, the doctor showed us how to change the baby's diaper, take her temperature, and gave us other new parent information.

Some time after that, I joined a parenting group, where I could take our baby. The new parents could learn about being parents. That was a great learning experience; it was very helpful. I also noticed that the new moms also talked a lot about their pregnancy and birthing stories. There was no one in the group on that particular day of the week, that I could relate to. But I did hear about another adoptive mom that went to that parenting group on a different day of the week, that wanted to start a play group for adoptive parents. Yay!

There ended up being five of us adoptive moms and five babies in our adoption play group. We all had different adoption stories. And we all had a learning curve; there were many similarities to new moms of any type, learning how to be a mom, but also things that were unique to us, as adoptive moms.

After all of this, I decided to write a story, just for our child, for her to be able to read and know some basic background about our adoption experience and information about her.

I wrote our story on index cards, and included pictures from magazines to help explain whatever, and pictures of us and her as well. I wrote answers to questions that might arise, using simple words. It became a favorite book for us to read together.

After many years, the idea came to me to make something that other adoptive parents could easily fill in and personalize, so that they could share their story with their baby.

This paperback booklet measures 6 by 9 inches and is 24 pages long. It is simple to fill out, and add photographs to. It will be a lovely, informative book for when the child is young, and also a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Our Adoption Story - to be filled in by the adoptive parents. Check price.

Let me know in a comment below, if you think a similar booklet would be a good idea for adoptive parents that adopt a toddler or an older child. Thank you.

Update: Thank you for your comments. I will be designing three more adoption story books; one for toddlers, grade school children, and teens., each of which will include sections for the child to have some input.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Smuggler's Cove ~ A Book Review

Who doesn't like a book title that just kind of grabs your attention?  Add an author that has so many books under her belt that have been best sellers and you have my attention.  

I was in a funk with my reading preferences and needed a change of pace!  

While I love reading, lately my personal life has made sitting and reading a wish that was not going to come true.  But, and here's the truth, I needed something to lift me out of the dark places that I was in.

A good story with characters that have grown and changed with all the curve balls life can sometimes throw at you, was what I needed!

Fern Michaels hit all of these points for me with her first book in the Twin Lights Series, Smuggler's Cove!

Madison and Lincoln are living a good life filled with every good thing you could think of.  Their mother has sheltered them most of their lives even though they are privileged, they are not your typical spoiled rich kids.  This works in their favor when their father is arrested and jailed for insider trading and fraud.  Madison uses her keen sense of style to carve out a path in the fashion world as an editor for La Femme magazine.  Her younger brother Lincoln goes into wealth management with a keen eye to doing the "right" things with money!  Especially after witnessing the mayhem and hatred people had after his father's arrest and conviction.

Madison and Linc have left the past behind and worked hard to shed themselves of their father's image.  Both change their names and go on to be very successful in their new reality.  It wasn't easy, but both of them are happy with the work ethics and their lives as they work hard to be anything opposite to what their father was.

They now learn that their uncle (their dad's brother) has passed away and left them the marina at Smuggler's Cove. 

Madison and Linc are hoping for a beautiful place that they can quickly sell and divest themselves of this marina.  Neither one of them knows anything about fishing, clamming or anything else to do with boats.  This is out of their scope of knowledge and selling it seems to be the right thing to do.  That was until they arrived at the marina to find a dilapidated dock, some fishing boats and not much else.

Now I've set the background for you and it's time for you to get the book and read what happens next!  Let's just say that all their plans are turned upside down and with it their lives will take a whole new direction.  You will enjoy finding out all the ins and outs that Madison and Linc navigate as they make decisions that will have some lasting effects.

Smuggler's Cove is a great story that will have you turning pages to find out all the comings and goings in a little place on the Navesink River!  

You have to mark your calendars for Smuggler's Cove as it will be released in August of this year. I was given the pleasure of a sneak preview of this book through my NetGalley membership!  

If you like reading books before they are published you can join NetGalley or any of the other sites for keen readers!  You would find more information about that in one of my earlier reviews right here!  Calling all Bibliophiles!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Book Review- Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach

 

Do you enjoy a good cozy mystery, that takes place on the beach and includes lots of dogs and fun characters?  If so, you will not want to miss Karen C Whalen's latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.

Book Summary

Anytime I am looking for a cozy mystery with lots of fun engaging characters, Karen C Whalen books just fit the bill!  I loved her latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.  

In this book she brings back all of the wonderful characters we met in the first book of the Sea Oaks Beach series. I really enjoyed following the latest adventures of Breanna, Roscoe, Ty and other friends and residents of the small beach town of Sea Oaks Beach.  They are a great group of characters that really pull you into the story.

Like the title implies, this book starts off with a body being washed up at the beach.  Roscoe and Breanna are walking along the beach when they see a woman laying on her side in a shallow tide pool.  She is in a black wetsuit and Roscoe immediately tries to revive her while Breanna calls for help.  It turns out she is dead, and they find her surfboard nearby.  As they are looking around Breanna sees something out in the ocean and wonders if it is another person.  Roscoe sees it too and goes out to get what turns out to be a dog on a surfboard.  The dog, a Chocolate Lab is rescued and brought to the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers.

As the story progresses, Breanna fosters the dog and is determined to try to find out who his people are and to try to get justice for the woman who was found murdered.  I won't spoil it by telling you more, but I highly recommend this book.  It is one I couldn't put down.

Amazon Link

Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach and all of Karen C Whalen's books can be found on Amazon.  Here is a link Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach

More Reviews of Karen C Whalen Books

Karen has written three different cozy mystery series.  They are the Dinner Club series, the Tow Truck Driver mysteries, and the Sea Oaks Beach series.  Here are some links to other reviews I have done on her books.

Everything Bundt the Truth

Murder at Sea Oaks Beach

Booty in the Backseat

Stiletto to the Pedal

Friends Come to Call

Toes on the Dash

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances

Recently I had the opportunity to read an advance review copy (ARC) of author Evie Woods' newest novel, The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris, which was just published yesterday on April 8, 2025. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't wait to share my book review here on Review This Reviews.

Image made with AI on Canva

A Life in Transition

Evie Woods’ The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a delicious blend of hope, heartbreak, and intrigue. It's the story of Edith, an Irishwoman seeking a fresh start after her world is upended by the loss of her mother to cystic fibrosis. Having spent years as her sick mother’s caregiver, Edith is left feeling lost and unsure of what comes next. Working as a waitress and trying to comfort her grieving father feels unfulfilling and she is desperate for a change.

Not the (Rue de) Paris She Was Expecting

In an uncharacteristic burst of spontaneity, Edith impulsively applies for an assistant manager position at a French bakery on the Rue de Paris. She is swept up in dreams of a glamorous new life in the romantic City of Lights, but reality has other plans.

Instead of the bustling metropolis, Edith discovers too late that the bakery is located on the Rue de Paris in Compiègne, a sleepy, picturesque village an hour's train ride outside the city. Definitely not the "Paris" she thought she had signed up for.

Cold Shoulders and Mysterious Rules

The bakery is beloved by locals for its mouthwatering breads, pastries and sandwiches, but Edith quickly senses that all is not as it seems. Her new living quarters are tiny and shabby. The bakery's proprietress, elderly but spunky Madame Moreau, is gregarious with customers but curt and chilly with Edith. The locked basement where the actual baking happens is strictly off-limits, and Edith is forbidden to see or meet the mysterious, nameless baker. A teenage boy named Manu, the bakery's only other employee, won't say much to her, either.

Struggling with these unwelcoming co-workers and strange rules, as well as her limited grasp of the French language, makes Edith feel lonely, isolated and out of place. She wonders whether her impulsive move to France was a terrible mistake.

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

Despite her loneliness, however, Edith is determined to try to build a life in Compiègne. She decides to get a sassy French haircut and forms a close friendship with Nicole, the daughter of the hair salon owner. She also gradually befriends a few of the bakery’s regulars, including Geoff who gives fascinating tours of the village and the historic Forest of Compiègne, where in 1940 the French signed a humiliating armistice with Nazi Germany.

Nicole invites Edith to hear her husband Johnny play jazz at the local club. Edith is attracted to a handsome Englishman at the bar but is too shy to strike up a conversation, so Nicole does it instead and then introduces Edith to him. Hugo is charismatic and well-spoken and he and Edith feel an immediate spark, but he is a photographer who lives and works in Paris. Fortunately, he comes to Compiègne frequently to visit his mother, who has Alzheimer’s and is in a nearby care facility.

Hugo's and Edith's burgeoning long-distance relationship is kept alive through his periodic, brief visits interspersed with sweet postcards. Meanwhile, Edith spends much of her precious (and scarce) spare time with Nicole, Johnny and their family, who "adopt" the foreigner and try to make her feel at home in her new hometown.

Just as Edith starts to feel as though she might belong in Compiègne after all, however, everything threatens to unravel.

Secrets, Betrayal, and a Family Legacy at Risk

As her French improves and she becomes more involved in the day-to-day operations of the bakery, Edith's  curiosity about its mysterious past grows. When she finally uncovers the truth about the bakery’s secretive history, operations and financial struggles thanks to Manu's eventual confidences, she’s faced with a new heartache: discovering that the man she’s falling for is one of the people trying to force Madame Moreau to sell the bakery, her family’s precious multigenerational legacy.

Can the bakery—and Edith's and Hugo's relationship—survive? You'll have to read this intriguing novel to find out.

Layers of History and Humanity

Author Evie Woods adds depth to the story with historical themes, including the Nazi occupation of France and the impact of racial discrimination. These elements tie into the bakery’s mysterious past and add emotional resonance to what might otherwise be a lighthearted narrative.

She paints the story with rich, sensory details: the scent of buttery croissants wafting through the air, the hum of jazz spilling from a smoky club, the warmth of fresh friendships blossoming in unexpected corners. She also doesn’t shy away from weightier themes, like loss, betrayal, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life. Edith’s journey isn’t just about solving the mystery of the bakery—it’s about rediscovering herself and finding the strength to fight for what matters.

Final Thoughts

The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a heartfelt and satisfying novel that blends personal growth, romance, and historical intrigue. With vivid setting details, believable characters, and a steady unfolding of mystery, it’s a story about healing, second chances, and the power of community. If you enjoy novels that balance charm with depth, this one is well worth the read.

I read an advance copy of the Kindle edition courtesy of the author and NetGalley, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to purchase The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris audiobook as well. It is also available in paperback.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Evie Woods' books.

N/A

Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances, a book review by Margaret Schindel

Read More Book Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: