Series

Columbia River Series Book 1

February 9, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

Series books are my absolute favorite books to read. Not only do you get to know the characters, but it’s all about the author too. I, like most people, I would assume, like to read pretty much everything an author I like writes. One of those authors I enjoy reading is Kendra Elliot. She is the author of many different series books I read. Most recently, I The Last Sister, which is part of the Columbia River series by Kendra Elliot. Like many books I’ve read by this author, it was a book I was not able to put down.

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The Last Sister (Columbia River Book 1)Hidden (A Bone Secrets Novel Book 1)Vanished (Callahan & McLane Book 1)

About Book 1 in the Columbia River Series

From Amazon:

Twenty years ago Emily Mills’s father was murdered, and she found his body hanging in the backyard. Her younger sister, Madison, claims she was asleep in her room. Her older sister, Tara, claims she was out with friends. The tragedy drove their mother to suicide and Tara to leave town forever. The killer was caught. The case closed.

Ever since, Emily and Madison have tried to forget what happened that night—until an eerily similar murder brings it all back. It also brings FBI special agent Zander Wells to the Oregon logging town. As eager as he is to solve the brutal double slaying, he is just as intrigued with the mystery of Emily’s and her sisters’ past.

When more blood is shed, Zander suspects there’s a secret buried in this town no one wants unearthed. Is it something Emily and Madison don’t know? Or aren’t telling? And Tara? Maybe Emily can’t bear to find her. Because when Tara disappeared, she took a secret of her own with her.

My Thoughts

As I was reading book one of the Columbia River series, I started to recognize one of the characters, or at least I thought I did. And I was right! One of the main characters in the Columbia River series, Ava McLane, is also the main character in Kendra Elliot’s, Callahan & McLane series (which you should read). I love when new a new series spins off another one!

Like most books I read, part way through, I thought I knew how things were going to turn out. Boy was I wrong with this book! Sometimes that annoys me. I don’t know if it’s because I’m irritated I got it wrong or if it is because sometimes I think a different ending would have been better. In this case, it was because I got it wrong. I mean, I literally had it figured out, or so I thought. I’m really looking forward to book two when it comes out in October!

Merry Hanukkah Series: Happy Everything

October 2, 2019 by Leah Leave a Comment

Reading is one of my passions. I would read all day, every day, if I could. There are a few things I look for when I am looking for a book to read. First, I look for books by authors I have read before; second, I look for series books; and third, I look for books with serial killers. Happy Everything, part of the Merry Hanukkah series by Debby Caruso has two of those three things! I’ll let you guess which one it doesn’t have! When I was asked if I would like to receive a copy of this book for the purpose of this review, I jumped at the chance.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

About the Merry Hanukkah Series

So like I mentioned above, I love series books. I get super invested in the characters, almost like they are my friends, and I want to read more and more books with those same characters. The first book in the Merry Hanukkah series (Merry Hanukkah) introduces us to Rhonda and James and the joys of blending their two lives and families together. When I finished that book, I truly hoped that Debby Caruso had another book started with Rhonda and James. She did not disappoint!

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Happy Everything by Debby Caruso

From Amazon

Happy Everything is the ongoing story of Rhonda and James,following them from Merry Hanukkah directly into the much anticipated second installment in the Merry Hanukkah series. Everyone’s favorite newlyweds have settled into married life, but now it’s Dez and Jack’s turn to make it official. In typical Rhonda fashion, she’s determined to give her best friend Dez the best bridal shower ever, all while juggling yet another work crisis and still trying desperately to fit in to her new family situation. Unfortunately, Aunt Bunny is diagnosed with cancer, and the entire family starts coming apart at the seams. Rhonda and James step in to help support Uncle Ben any way they can, but it’s never enough for Rhonda’s incorrigible mother-in-law, Vivian. Will Vivian’s constant meddling finally cause Rhonda and James irreparable damage? Is there any way that Rhonda can pull the family together by hosting both Passover and Easter on the same weekend? Why is Rhonda’s Dad suddenly dating someone much younger than him? And how can Rhonda come up with a new and exciting way to sell protein bars? Follow Rhonda into this new chapter of her life, where success hinges on the latest and greatest ad campaign, and her personal triumphs are determined by how much she can do for others. Journey with her as she begins to slowly realize that she can’t be all things to all people; even the ones you love the most.

Happy Everything (Merry Hanukkah)

My Thoughts

Debby Caruso is a writing genius! The best part of the Merry Hanukkah series are the characters. Each character in this book makes you feel like they are your friend or someone you want to make your friend! I literally can see someone in my real life, in each of the characters. Especially Rhonda’s mother in-law, Vivian. I think everyone has a Vivian in their life! This was one of those books, just like Merry Hanukkah, that I could not put down. I can’t tell you how many nights I stayed up longer than I should, just so I could get my Rhonda fix!

I’m really hoping there is a third book coming in this series. I would really love to know more about some of the other characters. For instance, why is Vivian the way she is? What is her backstory? Everyone has a backstory. I’d also love to see Rhonda and James have a baby. Although, I suspect they are waiting to further their careers a bit more before that happens…but I’d still love to see it happen.

Crossing Lex Merry Hanukkah Happy Everything (Merry Hanukkah)

Morgan Dane Series by Melinda Leigh

February 21, 2019 by Leah Leave a Comment

If someone were to ask me what my biggest passion in life is, I would have to respond with reading. I’ve had this passion for reading since I was a kid. My favorite books are those that are in a series. I get so invested in the characters, that sometimes, when the book is over, I’m sad. Add in a little suspense and maybe a serial killer or two and I’m in heaven! Not even kidding. The Morgan Dane series by Melinda Leigh has the suspense I like and has become one of my favorite book series!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

About the Morgan Dane Series

After losing her husband while he was in Iraq, Morgan Dane moves her three daughters back to Scarlet Falls to be with family and seek the comfort they so desperately need. As a former prosecutor and coming from a long line of police officers in her family, making the decision to play for the other side, was a difficult one for Morgan Dane.

Say You’re Sorry (Morgan Dane Book 1)Her Last Goodbye (Morgan Dane Book 2)Bones Don’t Lie (Morgan Dane Book 3)What I’ve Done (Morgan Dane Book 4)

Each book within the Morgan Dane series is about a new case that Morgan Dane and her team of investigators take on.

Books in the Series

Right now, there are four books available in the series. Those books are:

But don’t worry, the series doesn’t end there! Book five, Secrets Never Die, is due out in March of this year and book six, Save Your Breath, is due out in September of this year! I’ve already marked my calendar so I can be sure to download the books as soon as they come out!

Kindle Unlimited

I absolutely LOVE the library. The smell of the books is intoxicating. It really is. However, I don’t have the room in my house to store all the books I read. Nor do I ever really re-read books. Being that I am always on the run with the kids and sitting in my car waiting for them, I read on a Kindle Paperwhite. It’s compact and fits in my purse. Perfect to take in the car with me wherever I go.

Since I am constantly reading, having a subscription to Kindle Unlimited is a no brainer. For a low monthly fee, you have have access to sooooooo many books! You are allowed to borrow up to 10 books at a time and you can take as long as you want to read them! Give it a try right now and get your first month for free! I’ve had a membership for several years now! ALL of the books in the Morgan Dane series are FREE with a Kindle Unlimited membership!

The Voice Inside (Frost Easton Series) by Brian Freeman

July 7, 2018 by Leah Leave a Comment

Serial killers, FBI, police, psychological thrillers, suspense, and series books are all types of books I tend to gravitate to. If the book successfully scares me while reading it, I consider it a great book! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve read something and then convinced myself someone was in my house. For most people, that would probably stop them from reading that particular type of book. Not me! When I found out that there was a second book available in the Frost Easton series by Brian Freeman, I jumped all over downloading The Voice Inside!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

About The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

Imagine finding out that the serial killer that killed your loved one may get out of jail on a technicality. I would have to imagine that would make you very angry. Now imagine that you are the cop that not only had your sister murdered by this psychopath, but also the cop that finds out that evidence that put this psychopath away, was planted. This is the exact predicament that Frost Easton finds himself in. This book becomes a race against time to find the evidence they need to put this serial killer in prison for good, where he belongs, before he kills again.

The Night Bird (Frost Easton Mystery Book 1)The Voice Inside: A Thriller (Frost Easton Book 2)

These two books by Brian Freeman are the first two that I’ve read by this particular author. For more information on these books and other great books he has out, you need to check out his website. I have added several books to my “to read” list on Goodreads. Feel free to check out my Goodreads page! I rate EVERY single book I read. It’s fun to keep track of what I am reading and whenever people ask me for suggestions, I can quickly get the names of different books to recommend!

Reading on my Kindle Paperwhite is my favorite thing to do. I also LOVE having a Kindle Unlimited membership. The amount of books I am able to read with this membership is crazy! It’s how I found Brian Freeman’s book, The Night Bird. I highly recommend it! Your first month is free! You can use a Kindle Paperwhite (what I use) or you can use the Amazon Kindle app on your iOS or Android device!

Please leave me a comment and let me know if you read this book…or if you have a book I just have to read, tell me that too!

The Night Bird (Frost Easton Series) by Brian Freeman

July 3, 2018 by Leah Leave a Comment

It’s summer and so far I have spent more time than I care to admit reading. My son is doing summer school and I’ve been hanging out near the school (it’s 30 minutes from our house) reading most of the time he’s there. If you remember, series books are my favorite. I try to read them as often as possible. The book I just finished reading, not too long ago, is part of the Frost Easton series, called The Night Bird by Brian Freeman.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

The Night Bird by Brian Freeman, is a book that I received as part of the Amazon First Reads program (formally known as the Kindle First program). The first line of the description had me hooked:

What if you had to relive your most terrifying memory…over and over?

For me, I need to be able to connect with the book somehow. Whether it be with one of the characters, the theme, etc. With this particular book, I couldn’t help think about what it would be like to relive my most terrifying memory over and over. I had to see what happened in the book.

About The Night Bird (Frost Easton series)

From Amazon –

Homicide detective Frost Easton doesn’t like coincidences. When a series of bizarre deaths rock San Francisco—as seemingly random women suffer violent psychotic breaks—Frost looks for a connection that leads him to psychiatrist Francesca Stein. Frankie’s controversial therapy helps people erase their most terrifying memories…and all the victims were her patients.

As Frost and Frankie carry out their own investigations, the case becomes increasingly personal—and dangerous. Long-submerged secrets surface as someone called the Night Bird taunts the pair with cryptic messages pertaining to the deaths. Soon Frankie is forced to confront strange gaps in her own memory, and Frost faces a killer who knows the detective’s worst fears.

As the body count rises and the Night Bird circles ever closer, a dedicated cop and a brilliant doctor race to solve the puzzle before a cunning killer claims another victim.

From the moment I started this book, I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t help but wonder, if given the chance, would I want the opportunity to erase my most terrifying memory? Is that something we should allow people to have the opportunity to do? After reading the book, I can honestly say, that is NOT something I would want the ability to do! As tempting as it would be to get rid of bad memories, I’m good with keeping them tucked away where I can remember them if I want to!

What Do You Think?

Interested yet? The Night Bird is free with Kindle Unlimited. Don’t have a Kindle Unlimited account? Well guess what…this is your lucky day! Right now, for Amazon Prime day, they are running a promotion that you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for just $0.99! Say what?!? Simply click on the banner below and get started!

For more books by Brian Freeman, visit his website at brianfreemanbooks.com. He has several sets of series books that I want to start reading! Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this book!

Series

About Book 1 in the Columbia River Series

My Thoughts

Other Books You May Want to Read

About the Merry Hanukkah Series

Happy Everything by Debby Caruso

My Thoughts

About the Morgan Dane Series

Books in the Series

Kindle Unlimited

About The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

What if you had to relive your most terrifying memory…over and over?

About The Night Bird (Frost Easton series)

What Do You Think?