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The Blog

Serial Killer Book Series by Brenda Novak

September 11, 2017 by Leah 1 Comment

I’ll admit it, I have a very eclectic taste in books. One minute I will be reading the latest vampire series and the next minute I’m reading about a serial killer. Typically, I tend to gravitate towards thrillers and suspense novels. The first authors I really became interested in were Stephen King and Dean Koontz. While I sometimes need to read that happy ending type book, more times than not, I enjoy reading things that are so far from what my reality is. I really enjoyed this serial killer series by Brenda Novak.

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

serial killer

From Amazon –

THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER
Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only sixteen when her own boyfriend Jasper imprisoned and tortured her—and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community…even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart. 
BEGINS WITH AN ESCAPE FROM HER PAST
Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok, this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her—the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again. . .and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same…

Why a Serial Killer Novel?

Her Darkest Nightmare (Dr. Evelyn Talbot Novels)Her Darkest Nightmare (Dr. Evelyn Talbot Novels)

Why not a serial killer novel? I mean, when we choose movies, we don’t go for the same type all the time. The same holds true when I’m picking a book. I think my love for these types of novels started when I was a kid and read The Silence of the Lambs book and then saw the movie. That book and movie was a favorite of mine for years. I even took a few psychology classes in high school and college because of that book and movie! If you are looking for a really good psychological thriller, then you will want to read Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak.

My Thoughts

I literally could not put this book down. Typically, I will read every night before bed and whenever I have to sit at my kids sports practices. I found myself staying up later and later because I could not put this book down. As I was writing this post, I found out that their is actually a novella before Her Darkest Nightmare called Hanover House. That makes sense. Halfway through the book, I had the impression that I was missing something. At first I thought I just missed it while reading, but now I know it’s because there was a book before this one! I definitely recommend this series! The third book comes out on October 3, 2017!


Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Mystery, Series, Thrillers & Suspense Tagged With: brenda novak, serial killer

Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale

September 9, 2017 by Leah Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things to read are series books. I get extremely invested in the characters and want to read more with them in it. The more books in the series, the better. A new to me author, Kerry Lonsdale, wrote a book that I read a few months ago called Everything We Keep. I really enjoyed the book. After I finished it, I remember wishing for more. It didn’t feel done to me. Thankfully for me, Kerry Lonsdale didn’t think it was done either and she published the sequel, Everything We Left Behind.

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

kerry lonsdale

About Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale

From Amazon –

Two months before his wedding, financial executive James Donato chased his trade-laundering brother Phil to Mexico, only to be lost at sea and presumed dead. Six and a half years later, he emerges from a dissociative fugue state to find he’s been living in Oaxaca as artist Carlos Dominguez, widower and father of two sons, with his sister-in-law Natalya Hayes, a retired professional surfer, helping to keep his life afloat. But his fiancée, Aimee Tierney, the love of his life, has moved on. She’s married and has a child of her own.

Devastated, James and his sons return to California. But Phil is scheduled for release from prison, and he’s determined to find James, who witnessed something in Mexico that could land Phil back in confinement. Under mounting family pressure, James flees with his sons to Kauai, seeking refuge with Natalya. As James begins to unravel the mystery of his fractured identity, danger is never far behind, and Natalya may be the only person he can trust.

Everything We Left Behind: A NovelEverything We Left Behind: A NovelEverything We Keep: A NovelEverything We Keep: A Novel

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved the fact that Everything We Left Behind picks up where Everything We Keep left off. The first book was all about Aimee and her quest to find out the truth about what happened to James. Once she learns the truth, she has to make the difficult decision to return to her life and move on. She gets married and has a daughter. Six years later, Carlos wakes up…only he is no longer Carlos. James is back.

Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale is an utterly gut wrenching story that is written with so much emotion. While reading this novel, I felt like I was right there feeling everything that James was feeling as he uncovered more and more about his life. The ability to make characters come alive like that is a sign of a great author.

Have you read any Kerry Lonsdale books?


Filed Under: Book Reviews, Mystery Tagged With: everything we left behind, kerry lonsdale

Debby Caruso Author Interview

September 1, 2017 by Leah 24 Comments

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

As an aspiring author and a lover of books, getting the opportunity to speak with other authors is a dream come true. No one understands my passion for books and writing like an author! While I couldn’t sit down face to face with Debby Caruso, the author of the book Crossing Lex, I did have the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her new book! Enjoy!

Debby Caruso – Crossing Lex

debby caruso

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a 45-year old Native New Yorker who loves every little thing about NYC. In “real life” I am a Pilates/Fitness Instructor and I am also an avid swimmer for my own fitness and sanity.

How did you get started in writing? How did you break into the publishing world?

I have been writing forever, and telling stories from the moment I could talk. I am also a voracious reader and have read a book almost every night of my life. When I was 35 years old, I took an acting class for the first time and then I began writing for stage. I have developed work and love writing various mediums. As for the publishing world: I took the initiative and went about getting my work into the public forum via Create Space.

Do you outline your books first or are you a seat-of-the-pants writer?

I’m not an outliner, though I would love to be that kind of writer. I generally start with a string of ideas and then move forward as I know where I’m going. I find motion helps me to move forward with plot; as crazy as it sounds, I often “write” in my head while I swim.

Tell us a little about Crossing Lex. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

Crossing Lex was the book that I felt I had to write after working in NYC for a decade. I actually left a job much like Danielle’s (the main character) in order to write full time.

How do you deal with the dreaded writers block?

I don’t experience that often…Thank God! I do get frustrated and walk away at times, but the story always calls me back.

If Crossing Lex were to be made into a movie, who would you want to star in it?

That’s a tough question…when the story ends, Danielle is 30. So a younger actress would fit the bill, but I don’t have anyone specific in mind.

Can you recommend any up and coming authors to us?

I don’t think of her as ‘up and coming’ any more, but Emily Bleeker is still new on the scene and I like her…tried and true favorites for me are always Susan Isaacs and Harlen Coben.

What do you do in your free time when you aren’t writing?

WHAT FREE TIME?! LOL…well…let’s see…I am an avid reader. I love swimming, preferably outdoors. I’m crazy about the ocean. My dog is the best and I could walk with her for hours. All that and I’m a huge foodie. I love trying new restaurants, cuisines, recipes…you name it.

Any other books coming out soon?

I have a few things in the works. Originally, I thought Crossing Lex was going to be a stand-alone novel, but now Danielle is talking to me, and she doesn’t seem ready to let go just yet…so I’d bet on a sequel.

Crossing LexCrossing Lex

Thank you Debby Caruso for taking the time to speak with us! I totally know what you mean about “writing in your head” while swimming. When I was in high school, I was on the varsity swim team and I did all of my best thinking during practice. Not much else you can do when you are swimming back and forth for two hours!

Be sure to pick up your copy of Crossing Lex by Debby Caruso on Amazon today!


Filed Under: Authors Tagged With: crossing lex, debby caruso, interview

Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale

August 31, 2017 by Leah 12 Comments

Every little girl dreams about her wedding day. She dreams about exactly what her dress will look like; what flowers she will carry; whether she will be getting married in a church or outside; and sometimes, even who they will marry. Now imagine, instead of walking down the aisle on your wedding day, what is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, you are attending your fiancés funeral. That is exactly what happens in Everything We Keep a mystery novel by Kerry Lonsdale.

kerry lonsdale

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

Everything We Keep is a debut novel for Kerry Lonsdale and it’s a really good one! The twists and turns throughout the novel keep you reading and wanting more. Something I really like in a good mystery novel. When I finished Everything We Keep, I was bummed, I wanted to know more. The last thing I wanted was for the book to be over. Little did I know at the time, Everything We Keep had a sequel! I won’t tell you how long after I read the book that I found out about the sequel…it’s a tad embarrassing!

Everything We Keep: A NovelEverything We Keep: A Novel

Right now, you can purchase this debut novel on sale at Amazon. If you are a Kindle Paperwhite user like I am AND you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can pick up this novel for FREE with your subscription. Better yet, join Kindle Unlimited for free for 30 days. Read this book (like it), read the sequel (like it) and then read this series and you will be a Kindle Unlimited junkie like me! I’m not even joking! Kindle Unlimited is one of my absolute favorite things I’ve ever subscribed to.

Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

Have you read Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale yet?


Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction, Mystery Tagged With: everything we keep, kerry lonsdale

Perfect Book Lover Gifts for Everyone

August 29, 2017 by Leah 9 Comments

Do you ever sit there wondering what in the world to get certain people in your life? They seem to have everything or they are the type of person to pick up whatever they want, whenever they want. It’s beyond frustrating. Until you sit down and really think about the person and their interests. For instance…they like to read. Sure you could get them a gift card to their favorite book store, but think outside the box a bit. That’s what makes this list of book lover gifts so perfect!

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

book lover gifts
Image via Pexels

Book Lover Gifts

One of the best gifts, something I use EVERY SINGLE DAY (not even joking) that I ever got was my Kindle Paperwhite. Since I spend a lot of time in my car, waiting on my kids while they are at their sports practices, I make sure I always have my Kindle Paperwhite with me and loaded with books. Since it holds over a thousand books at once, I am never left without something to read (especially the newest Alex Cross book).

Kindle Paperwhite E-reader - Black, 6Kindle Paperwhite E-reader – Black, 6ISeeSee Kindle Paperwhite Case Cover SmartShell Holding Case for Kindle Paperwhite fits all Paperwhite generations(New Paperwhite 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Versions)BlackISeeSee Kindle Paperwhite Case Cover SmartShell Holding Case for Kindle Paperwhite fits all Paperwhite generations(New Paperwhite 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Versions)Black

If you are going with a Kindle or they already have a Kindle, then the next idea on the quest for book lover gifts is Kindle Unlimited. If you aren’t familiar with it, Kindle Unlimited allows you to borrow books from Amazon for a small monthly fee. Want to check it out first? Sign up for the FREE 30 day trial!

Do they prefer to hold actual books? I know many people think I’m crazy for not wanting to actually hold a book in my hands. Or smell that book smell. You know what smell I’m talking about. When I was a kid, I used to love going to the library to smell the books. If that’s the case, then these book smell candles are perfect for them!

Scented Candles The Library Set - Includes Antique Books, New Books and Ancient Scrolls – 3 x 4 ounce Natural Soy Wax - Literary Gifts For Book NerdsScented Candles The Library Set – Includes Antique Books, New Books and Ancient Scrolls – 3 x 4 ounce Natural Soy Wax – Literary Gifts For Book Nerds

For those that like to borrow books from their local library or read outside at the park, then you have to get them one of these adorable bags for carrying their books!

Book Bag Shopper Tote Bag 16 x 15inBook Bag Shopper Tote Bag 16 x 15inOut of Print Banned Book Tote Bag, 15 X 17 InchesOut of Print Banned Book Tote Bag, 15 X 17 InchesOut of Print Library Card Tote Bag Natural, 14 X 18 InchesOut of Print Library Card Tote Bag Natural, 14 X 18 InchesCafePress - Gilmore Girls: Book Lovers - Natural Canvas Tote Bag, Cloth Shopping BagCafePress – Gilmore Girls: Book Lovers – Natural Canvas Tote Bag, Cloth Shopping BagI Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie Funny Cotton Canvas Tote Bag Reusable by BeeGeeTees® (Black Handle)I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie Funny Cotton Canvas Tote Bag Reusable by BeeGeeTees® (Black Handle)

OK…so I admit, I am partial to the “I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie” bag…I may have to order that one! Pick your favorite bag, add your favorite book, a few snacks, etc and you have a super cute gift!

Book Lover Gifts for Aspiring Authors

This last set of gift ideas are my personal favorite. They are perfect for that aspiring author or book lover that loves to keep a journal. These unique journals have an entire book written within the journal…as the lines you write on! I have been eyeing one of these journals for a couple years!

A Novel Journal: The Adventures of Sherlock HolmesA Novel Journal: The Adventures of Sherlock HolmesA Novel Journal: Little WomenA Novel Journal: Little WomenA Novel Journal: Pride and PrejudiceA Novel Journal: Pride and PrejudiceA Novel Journal: Anne of Green GablesA Novel Journal: Anne of Green GablesA Novel Journal: The Brothers GrimmA Novel Journal: The Brothers GrimmA Novel Journal: DraculaA Novel Journal: DraculaA Novel Journal: The Wizard of OzA Novel Journal: The Wizard of OzA Novel Journal: EmmaA Novel Journal: Emma

Pick up one of these journals, a cute bag from above, a fancy pen or those Paper Mate Inkjoy Gel Pens that don’t smear and are so nice to write with (and this is an amazing price for them), add a couple snacks and you have a truly unique book lover gift to give a friend of family member!

If you have other ideas, let me know! I am always looking for unique gift ideas!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: book lover gifts

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Hi!! My name is Leah Kanaan and besides being with my husband and kids, my greatest pleasure in life is reading! I am an aspiring author and would love to have my books published one day! Take a look around and hopefully you find a new book to read and enjoy!
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