Fallen Grace

Bubbles Jones could not imagine handing over her baby. These last few months, sequestered in the jail they call a home for unmarried girls -  Bubbles refuses to give up or give in to her Southern Baptist minister father who does not practice what he preaches. She finds a way to escape with a little help from a friend. These girls, one white and one black, are frowned upon by a hypocritical society who has hidden them away in a shameful attempt to put their babies up for adoption. In 1950’s segregated Virginia the entire community has turned it’s back on girls in “trouble.” Forcing them to believe they have no options except to let the adults in charge take advantage of their naivete and put them to work. The girls don’t have many options but they are strong and determined to build a life they can be proud of. This short story from Amazon Original Blaze series is FREE for Prime Members and easy to download. Similar to this author’s last two novels The Yellow Wife and The House of Eve, it is expertly crafted and filled with characters you will be thinking of long after the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Love Intervention

Laila has no time for a social life. The last decade of her life has been dedicated to her job at a London hospital as a clinical scientist. Her two best girlfriends are ready to intervene. They know Laila needs a break from work and caring for her mother, in addition to sunshine and sex! Sneakily digging into the past the girls force Laila to admit she has not had an actual relationship or even a crush since her graduate school days at NYU. After doing some of their own love research they decide to arrange a three week vacation bringing Austin, Edoardo and Mateo back into Laila’s life. Categorizing these handsome hunks as second chance romance, friends to lovers and the one that got away, she begrudgingly sets off on this life changing adventure. From magnificent wine vineyards in California to the nature trails of Puerto Rico and Costa Rican beaches Laila wakes up from her work coma and begins to realize she can write the script for her own future. Through one steamy mishap after another Laila must come to terms with painful memories that have been holding her back for a decade. What better Valentines read than to learn it’s never too late for love! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good Dirt

At ten years old, Ebby Freeman’s life was shattered when she witnessed the brutal murder of her brother—a tragedy her family has never fully healed from, even after years of therapy. Now approaching thirty, Ebby faces another devastating blow: being left at the altar by Henry, the man she thought would help her start anew. The weight of her pain, privilege, and family’s expectations sends her spiraling, and she flees the comfort of her parents’ New England home for the charm and solace of a picturesque French village. In this journey across oceans and centuries, Ebby begins to chronicle the remarkable story of her family’s rise from slavery to prominence in Massachusetts. From the backbreaking toil of plantation life to daring escapes on whaling ships, her ancestors—artists, inventors, and carpenters—built a legacy of resilience and excellence. Through a vibrant cast of characters, both past and present, Ebby’s story becomes a powerful tale of survival, heartbreak, and triumph. In her third stunning novel, Charmaine Wilkerson weaves together threads of Black history, familial bonds, and the complexities of contemporary relationships into an unforgettable saga of freedom and forgiveness. A thoughtful, captivating read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

The Endeavour of Elsie Mackay

When Elsie Mackay was a flashy actress, her family wanted nothing to with her. But since Elsie left that life behind, she rejoined her aristocrat father and brothers at one of the largest British shipping companies in the world. Dedicated to making rather bland ships into luxurious transatlantic liners, Elsie quickly became a successful interior designer. This dynamic woman didn’t stop there. She acquired her pilot’s license, unheard of for a woman at that time, and sat on a multitude of prestigious boards. In Post WW1 a woman could either have a career or have a family. One or the other, never both. Elsie rekindled her friendship with Stella Campbell, whom she had met during the war. Instead of sitting in on Paris Peace Conference, Stella found herself pregnant with baby number 3, resenting her husband and yearning to feel seen as a person with purpose. Her sister Corran chose books over people, an authoress that also lectured at university to women who may not be able to receive an actual degree. These three women, determined to find their place in the world support one another at a time when feminists were just beginning to seek birth control and working rights. In 1928, Elsie secretly purchases a Stinson Detroit airplane, partners with a well known ace pilot and was resolved to make history by becoming the first woman to complete a transatlantic flight. Based on a true story, this novel is a fast paced, fascinating peek of a brave, adventurous woman making history. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Reformatory

When Robert Stephens Junior was sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys for kicking a white boy, his sister Gloria vowed she would save him. At only sixteen Gloria had become Robert’s guardian. Their mother passed away and their father was in Chicago laying low while the authorities condemned his work as a civil rights leader. Twelve year old Robert was terrified. It did not take long to learn that the horrific stories about the reformatory were true and even worse than he imagined. Although he was advised to stay out of trouble by becoming invisible, Robert’s talent for seeing haints (ghosts) quickly puts him in the spotlight. Gloria tries the legal route, questioning the sheriff, the powerful white landowner that reported Robert and even the NAACP. With no time to lose she turns to her godmother Miz Lottie, a mighty old woman who has never let their family down. Together they devise a plan to help Robert before it is too late. Gracetown was based on the Dozier School for Boys, an actual reform school in the Florida Panhandle built in 1900. Despite the horrific rumors, it wasn’t until an investigation in 2009 that finally led officials to close the facility. In 2012  a team of forensic anthropologists from USF uncovered 55 burials and nearly 100 unexplained deaths. This shocking novel set in the 1950’s explores racism, injustice and the power of family. It is not a quick or an easy read, but a necessary one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Favorites

When she was four years old Katarina Shaw watched the Olympic champion Shelia Lin win her second gold medal on t.v. She looked up at her father and told him she wanted to learn to ice skate. The beginning of Kat’s journey was anything but easy. Living in an obscure town on the outskirts of Lake Michigan, the family did not have much money. Her abusive, addict brother Liam and loss of her mother left little happiness in the home. But her father supported her dream and managed to do everything he could to get Kat lessons and skate time at the local rink. She met Heath Rocha at ten years old. A sad sweet boy in foster care whose intense eyes watched her every move. Skating became their obsession and their friendship saved his life. Heath moved in with the family and as their dreams of competing became reality Heath would follow Kat to the ends of the earth to make her happy. Landing in Los Angeles at the Lin Academy was the ultimate coup. Grateful to be there Heath and Kat stopped questioning why Bella and Garrett, the famous and wealthy Lin twins would want their competition right under their noses. Apparently keeping their rivals close became another complicated drama within the intensely theatrical ice dancing community. Kat’s fixation on Olympic gold trumped all emotions and decisions. Friendship, betrayal and dreams of victory - these young skaters would do whatever it takes to get the gold. I thoroughly enjoyed the ice skating, romance and twisted relationships but A LOT of skating detail that not everyone will love, this novel easily could have been a 100 pages less. Releases January 14, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How To Read A Book

Harriet, aka Bookie, loves the book club that she runs. After losing her husband and retiring from her teaching position she feels untethered in the world. But when she is at book club she feels part of something meaningful. This women’s prison in Maine is a scary place to enter - even for Bookie, the quintessential Librarian/English teacher. These women are meant to feel trapped, helpless and numb. She wants them to “hear” their voices, to experience the words on the page. When Violet is released she is on the “Outs” for the first time in three years. Her family renounced her and she is terrified. At 22 years old she must start over carrying her grave mistakes, these bags too heavy to maneuver through breakfast let alone a big city and brand new life. Frank Daigle works in the local bookshop. When he lost his wife in a horrific accident he too finds it impossible to make sense of the past while forging a way forward. The calming balm of being surrounded by books is like a warm blanket on a very cold day, and part time handyman job might be the beginning of his new chapter. When the lives of these characters merge they find new definitions for friendship, family and love. The people that surround us stacked like books on the shelves of our lives, defining their existence is simply the way we choose to see them in our story. This book, seemingly simple at first pulls the reader in and will not let go. While you examine the love and loss these characters have experienced, a true reader is reminded that books are truly part of the air we breathe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Earth

The second story in John Boyne’s Element series, features two famous footballers (soccer athletes) caught up in sexual assault charges. They are good looking, popular and surrounded by boys will be boys attitudes. Since Evan left the small Irish island he grew up on he has excelled to attain the dreams of his father while secretly and quietly hiding his sexuality and lifelong desire to be a painter. In a short span of time this story manages to cover difficult topics and ethical dilemmas. How far would you go to save yourself? While the reader equally likes and dislikes a dynamic cast of characters, the outcome will have you on the edge of your seat.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fire

Freya is a well known surgeon who specializes in burns. She is a role model and mentor with a dark buried past. Raised on her own due to a dangerously negligent mother and barely there grandmother - Freya has had to fend for herself as far back as she can remember. When the reader learns the chilling truth of her bizarre and dangerous behavior outside of work it is hard to comprehend how Freya became this way. As the truth is slowly and uncomfortably revealed the reader debates an individuals innate qualities versus the personal experiences that make us who we are. An impossible question that will keep you on your seat throughout this mindblowing short story by the amazing John Boyne.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Happened to Nina?

A beautiful couple. Young, in college, in love - the world is their oyster. The Fraser family has known Simon forever. In their small Vermont town everyone knew the Jordans. Extremely successful and wealthy, they lived in the biggest house in town. Leanne and Andy Fraser never doubted their daughter Nina’s safety with Simon, they had been together since they were sixteen. So when Nina and Simon went on a hiking trip to Stowe to stay in his parents second home, an hour away, it didn’t cross their minds to worry. Until Simon returned and Nina did not. #WhatHappenedtoNina becomes a viral hashtag and the biggest mystery this small town has ever witnessed. Simon’s story is filled with holes but when his rich parents hire an expensive PR firm the internet goes wild with off the wall accusations and the search for Nina becomes national news. The local detective and his assistant are doing their best to follow the evidence while the Jordan’s pulls all the strings. Each chapter narrated from a different point of view reveals the role the internet is playing with our lives and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children. Fast paced train wreck that twists and turns all the way to the truth. Could not put this one down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is She Really Going Out With Him?

Journalist Anna Appleby writes a column for Bath Living (Bath, England, not the tub). A rather quiet city famous for Jane Austen nostalgia, Anna focuses on the arts and culture scene. At 38, recently divorced and learning to coparent while her ex has already shacked up with a gorgeous Swede - Anna’s social life is basically non existent. One day she is informed that the magazine is being taken over by a new publisher and her well written but “dull” column may become redundant. On a mission to revive her job and her love life Anna is challenged by hunky co-worker Will to record their dating experiences side by side for a number of weeks in a dating competition. Icing on the cake, Anna’s partners will be chosen by her precocious  children, 7 and 12 year olds that sense her loneliness when they are at their Dad’s house. From the grumbling widow neighbor who never lets up about the hedge, to the friendly postman and hot waiter, Anna is sent on a variety of hilarious outings that are both entertaining and life affirming. Not always a love match she becomes open to all kinds of new friendships and is finally excited to begin the rock era of her life. As the dating exceeds her wildest imaginations it is the weekend retreat with hot Will that sends the competition off the grid. This laugh out loud romcom is fast paced, well written and pure joy! Loved every minute of it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Famous Last Words

Camilla is a new mom. On the morning she is to return to her job as a book editor after a lengthy maternity leave, her adoring husband Luke is nowhere to be found. The house is mysteriously quiet and an odd note scribbled on a small piece of paper lies in his place: One side reads “If anything” but it’s been crossed out. The other side “It’s been so lovely with you both. Lx.”. Camilla is confused but doesn’t have time to worry as dropping her little girl off at day care for the first time consumes her. But later that day she is summoned by the police. There is a hostage situation in a London warehouse and three people are being held. Immediately frantic that Luke is in danger she can’t stop thinking of the note and his leaving earlier than usual. That is when the coppers tell Camilla that Luke is the gunman. After the siege goes awry, Luke disappears and the world as she knows it abruptly ends. This fast paced mystery is filled with suspense and danger as the puzzle must be drawn together from a mismatched pile of pieces. Just as Niall, the hostage negotiator cannot let go of this case that he bungled, Camilla knows deep in her heart that the man she loves is out there somewhere. An unputdownable page turner and must read for February 2025! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Come Fly With Me

Judy had to find a way out. The emotional and physical abuse in her small town horrible marriage has pushed her over the edge. In 1962 it was nearly impossible for a woman to do anything on her own. Where would she go and how would she survive? With the help of her neighbor/friend she devises a plan. Judy applies to become a Pan American stewardess. She fits the very specific requirements, secretly sends in the application and waits. Beverly has everything a girl could ever dream of. She lives in her magnificent family home in NYC, attends teas and balls wearing only the finest ensembles and has a very fitting suitor waiting to pop the question. Although Judy and Beverly have very different reasons for desperately wanting this opportunity with Pan Am, their bags are packed and they are ready to go on this once in a lifetime journey. As only 1 in 50 applicants have a chance to wear the lipstick and tailored uniform, they do everything they can to pass the many tests given. Focusing on their hearts desire for the first time in their lives encourages the drive they need to be selected. An unlikely friendship blossoms as the two very different women travel the world and find their wings to fly. Romance, intrigue, and suspense, this novel is your ticket to a fascinating bygone era. Releases in February 2025! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐