4.5/5 Loved it!

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I am a fan of Ms. Wiseman's writing - specifically, all the research she does to write her books. I did not know much about the coal industry at all. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of it after reading Coal River. I love historical books because I like to learn while I read. Emma is a young woman who once lived in Coal River. She's vowed to never return for very good reason. After becoming an orphan years later, she finds herself back in Coal River at her Uncle Otis' home. He is the local coal mine owner and a brutal, harsh man. Her Aunt Ida only wants Emma in the home to provide free maid duties. Emma has a past history with her cousin Percy and is not happy to live in their home. Emma has maid duties as well as store clerk duties in the coal mine's general store. She begins to learn about the coal mine and how its employees are treated. Most upsetting to her is how young the breaker boys are and how dangerous their jobs are. I don't give away spoilers so I'll just say this was a spectacular, emotional read that is so well written. I was often sad while reading it, but also found a lot of hope in Emma. (from my Goodreads review)

Twisting, deep, haunted. Psychological thriller from beginning to end

Not a typical Taylor Jenkins Reid romance but a great read! I wasn’t expecting the historical romance/space aspects and I wasn’t sure I loved it at first, but the more the book went on, the more I opened up to it. I really liked the characters and felt so connected to them while reading. The past/present switch in narration was a bit confusing at first, but when the stories came together in the present, it was great!

Renegades is a super exciting book about heroes and villains. It follows Nova, who hates the Renegades, and Adrian, who’s one of them but has a big secret vigilante identity. The story is full of action, cool powers, and twists that keep you hooked. I liked how it made you think about what makes someone a hero or a villain. If you like superhero stories with a twist, this book is worth reading.

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I love historical novels and knew I would love this book as well. I can't wait to read additional upcoming books in this An Emma Knightley Mystery series. Emma Knightley is married to George Knightley and is very happy. It's a new marriage full of romance, love and most of all - humor. My favorite thing in this book is how funny Emma is. George is the local magistrate and is called upon when the local vicar's wife is found murdered in the church. Emma gets involved from the very beginning through to the end - much to George's dismay. Emma's involvement also drives her father crazy too. I had a fairly good idea who the murderer was by the last 1/3 of the book and appreciated how hard it was to figure it out. I loved all of the Knightley's friends and neighbors. The societal norms of that time are always interesting to me as well. Wonderful, historical, romantic, funny novel. I'm excited for the next book to come out! (from my Goodreads review)

Thank you to Kathleen Kaufman, Between the Chapters Book Club and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews. I knew I had to read this book based on the title alone. And, yes, Nora Grey is fantastic as a character and so much more. I do want to note how much I enjoyed the author's dedication and author notes - both gave me so much info as well as made me laugh. Nora (originally Nairna) and her father Tavish (always goes by Tavish) are fraudsters. Tavish is charming and could sell anyone anything. Nora is not as much as a fraudster but doesn't understand her psychic gifts. She's so used to living on the streets with her father, eating trashed food and feeling starved most of the time. She also feels guilty about tricking people while reading her grandmother's seer cards for them. Nora is discovered by a woman who sees Nora's psychic gifts and the strength of those gifts. She brings Nora -and Tavish, partly - into her home to help Nora hone her skills. Unfortunately, women with psychic gifts were often considered witches and were frowned upon in society during the time of Nora's lifetime. Nora and her father often clash and I found their relationship one of the most intriguing thoroughout the story. She loves her father but is tired of providing for him then feels guilty for not appreciating the little he does for her. There are many characters that were easy to like/dislike that added to Nora's story. I don't give away spoilers. I will say I loved Nora becoming stronger in her gifts and I really loved how serious she was about being honest. The second half of the book finds Nora and Tavish in a new setting which I loved reading about. I was - I hate to use the word mesmerised - by her readings, the settings, the things doctors would do and the people who helped her. There is a dual POV with Nora and Lottie, Tavish's mother thoroughout the book. I also loved Lottie but felt sad for her with most of her story. Wonderful read for anyone who believes - and doesn't believe - in mesmerists, psychics, etc. I loved the ending as well. from my Goodreads account

A mix of short tales of fantasy. Magical and delightful to read each story. Love, rivalry, and magical tales that keep you entertained and wanting more!

Intrigue at a resort with a lot of surprises. Has a magical aspect that adds to the real life mystery.

First book I read with Dez Limerick as the protagonist. Will be reading the others