Cheryl's Book Nook

Review by Nancy It all began with the letters. Sophie Vandercook had been writing back and forth with her half brother, James for several years. Sophie had a plan and nothing could stand in her way. A Hurricane didn’t have a chance against Sophie when she had made up her mind. Nothing would do but she finally travel from her St. Louis home to visit James on the ranch he worked on in Wyoming. When she gets there, the hands are all acting a bit – odd. There is a long story behind Sophie’s letters and no one wants to be the one to let it out. The ramrod of the outfit, Nate Abbott, a grump of the first order won’t give Sophie the time of day, much less a smile. She doesn’t think much of Nate, either. Staying with the ranch owner and his daughter, Edith is an awakening for the all-girls school teacher from Mrs. Forestall’s Academy. Women in Wyoming, just like everywhere else, are treated nicely but not like Sophie has in mind. She wants a marriage of convenience. He in Wyoming ...

I was very excited to want to pick up this book and read it. I was in the mood for a good horror story. Unfortunately for me this book missed the mark. It moved very slowly and the characters were uninteresting to me. I thought the back story about each character in regards to where they came from would help with the story. It would shed light as to what prompted them to do what they did but all it showed me was the children grew up in sad families and then started getting in trouble and being trouble makers. I got about almost half way and then I skimmed the rest of the book. Just so I could find out what happened in the end. This book was more about the drawing out of the characters then it was about the scare factor. This is what I wanted. The scare might have been there but it was subtle. However I do have to give it up to the graphic art department for the creepy book cover. If you hold the book at just the right angle you can see the imprinted embossed words that over lay th...

Review by Nancy Leaving a place is hard if it’s always been your home and the Gold siblings weren’t any different. They have grown up in the Sugar Maple Inn in Connecticut but things were different now: Mom and Dad were both gone and each child has their own interests, yearnings and thoughts. The place had been sold and it was time for the final Sugar Maple Inn Halloween Party – a tradition started by their mother many years ago. This wonderful blend of irony, love and humor is one of my favorite books this year. The characters are so typical of a family: the Politician, the musician and the rest. They bicker, the love each other deeply (although it doesn’t always seem like it) and the band together one last time to make it work. This is the first Michael Baron book I’ve read – the good news it this is the first books featuring the Gold family but not the last. The ending leaves you wanting to know what happened and that’s just screaming for several sequels. Yippee! He’s writi...

Everyone in Dickens Junction is gearing up for Christmas. Zach Benjamin works as a reporter for the magazine, Rainbows. He is in town to write about Dickens Junction. Mervin Roark is the owner of Mervin Enterprises. He is interested in purchasing property in Dickens Junction. Some people are not interested in selling. Mervin has pissed off several people with his bully tactics but who did he piss off enough to want to murder him? The Christmas Carol Murders reminded me some of author, Gail Fraser’s Lumby series. With some of the nutty characters and the town. It made for a fun read. However, it did take be a while to get into this book in the beginning. Also, I felt like the writing was simple in a way. Not that I don’t like simple but sometimes, especially when it comes to a murder mystery, I do want some element of surprise. It felt like the conversations between the characters was simple. Like for example, I don’t really care what the description of the characters are or what...

Mellie Blake lost her mother at a young age and her father’s job as a botanist in the jungle left Mellie as a loner. She is anti-social. It is very hard for Mellie to make friends. Mellie actually prefers it this way. That is until Mellie is instructed to make friends or her ob could be in jeopardy. One of the ways that Mellie makes friends is by being a pen pal to a soldier. The catch is that everyone in the pen pal program is anonymous. Lt. Tom MacGilliver has tried to hide but it is hard when everyone is familiar with your last name. That is why Tom is excited about the pen pal program. He can make friends without anyone knowing who he is. A chance meeting with Mellie might change things. I have read every book by Mrs. Sundin and I am a fan of hers and aviation. So I get the best of both worlds when I read her books. I am excited about her new series. After reading With Every Letter I am more excited then ever to read the next book in this series. I loved every moment of t...

The last thing Lucy Weston remembers is attending the opera with her sister. Then Lucy awakes to find herself cold and hungry. Only her hunger is not for food but for blood. Lucy wonders what has happened to her. She comes upon a house. The house has a library. Lucy picks up a book titled Dracula by Bram Stoker. Lucy proceeds to read the book and discovers that Stoker has written about her. Only Stoker has portrayed Lucy as someone she is not. Lucy goes on the hunt for Stoker to set the facts right. When I read the book summary for this book and saw the book cover I was really excited to read this book. Some because of the vampire aspect. Never really got into the whole Bram Stoker craze. What drew me into the book cover is the whole steam punk aspect. I have recently discovered this genre and am enjoying reading books from this era. So this book was slow to get going. I did have a time or two when I wanted to put this book down and give up but I stuck with it. It did get better...

Review by Nancy Thrones of Desire is a compliation of novellas – 14 in all – with their plots loosely based on swords, thrones, lords and ladies, etc. The 14 stories may titillate a bit but, to me, they all seemed to stop suddenly. Wham, Bam…well, you know. “The Widow’s Man” by Nyla Nox was a fair tale, I like the way it was written, the characters seemed real, although the end was a bit off-putting. The rest of the stories were all right. Overall, I felt a disappointment because I kept reading through each tale hoping for improvement and there was none. About the Author Mitzi Szereto is an author and anthology editor of erotic and multi-genre fiction and nonfiction. She has her own blog, “Errant Ramblings: Mitzi Szereto’s Weblog” (mitziszereto.com/blog), and a Web TV channel, Mitzi TV (mitziszereto.com/tv), which covers the “quirky” side of London. Her books include the controversial Jane Austen sex parody Pride and Prejudice: Hidden Lusts; Red Velvet and Absinthe: P...

Review by Nancy Tales of the Sparrow Book One by Meg Lacey Jillian (Jillie) is a laid-back spy for the NAS (Natural, Abnormal and Strange) who certainly has her work cut out for her on the newest case – finding the Carmaletta Choker before someone who knows what it can do does. She is a journalist by trade which is the perfect cover since she’s dong an article on jewelry. But her usual photographer doesn’t show for the meeting. He’s been replaces by Griff Ryland, one hunk of a man (?) and who is set on getting his hands on the Choker as well. They make arrangements to attend a party given by what has to be one of the oddest characters I’ve read in a long time. Mannekins dressed to the hilt, guests dressed – interestingly (oh yes!) along with the sexual pull from Griff help keep Jillie on her toes. This book was odd. I kinda didn’t like it at first but the descriptions of the choker owner – Franklin – and his “friends” absolutely enthralled me! If you like a bit of evil with...

Aleksandr Talanov is recovering from the brutal death of his wife. Before he can find the peace and quiet he so desires, Talanov decides to track down the people responsible for his wife’s death. Talanov gets more then he bargains for when he tangles with both the Russian Mafia and the CIA. Someone wants Talanov out of commission for good but who? Greco’s Game is book two of the Aleksandr Talanov novels. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. Fans of military themed, action thrillers like Jason Bourne will enjoy this book. This book read really fast and not just because of the short chapters but because of the fast paced action. There was not a moment that I was bored. Talanov is a people person character. What I mean by this is that Talanov is interesting, multi-dimensional and makes me want to know more about him. This is a good thing. The topic for this book “human trafficking” is a very serious matter and one that people need to be aware of. The way that we treat ea...

My Berlin Kitchen is a lovely, mouth-watering adventure. Getting to know Luisa Weiss was fun. Reading this book was like I had known her all my life and we were good friends. From the time that Luisa was a little girl to the point where she and her husband were celebrating how much time has passed with each other. The bonus is all the yummy recipes inserted in this book. There are so many to choose from that I don’t know which ones I want to try out first. Ok, well I do have an idea. Probably the Sour Cherry Quarkauflauf and Poppy Seed Whirligig Buns. Of course, I am sure I will be trying all of the recipes. I was surprised that I did not drool. Luisa really told her story wonderfully. This was a quick read for me. The way that Luisa painted Berlin makes me want to visit. For foodies and nonfiction fans like, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a copy of My Berlin Kitchen today. You will not regret it.

1 of the 52 Reasons to Love Jessica Brody and Her Books….for 51 other reasons, visit Novel Magic (September 14th), I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (September 16th), and Fiction Freak (September 17th), and stay tuned for more! Jessica is so thrilled at readers’ reactions to 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, and she is excited about her upcoming book, Unremembered, too! The final four blogs in this tour will be offering copies of Unremembered, so make sure to follow along! About 52 Reasons to Hate My Father (FSG, July 2012) Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either. Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteenth birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to t...

Review by Nancy Thirty years of Clair Martin’s life make up the pages of Tributary. A life of scorn, preaching, pain, suffering and justification, all told in first person by Barbara Richardson. Born with a large birthmark, Clair’s mother left her in Utah while very young. She was passed off by the Mormons to various people in the Church who were in need of help. No one helped Clair, it was up to her to make it or not. She got encouragement from one widow for her lovely flower cards which she sold for spending money. She is nearly raped by a son of one of the Church elders and decides it is time for her to leave Utah for points South and East. She lands in New Orleans where she becomes a laundress in the colored ward of a local hospital. She falls in love with a little boy she names Tierre (“T”). He’s back and she’s not but it doesn’t matter to Clair because he becomes the son she cares for and raises to read, study and work hard. They decide, after receiving a long letter from...

Eden Harrison used to love running. She also loved her fiancé, Derek. That stopped when Eden required a heart transplant. Now, Eden is a changed person. Even since her transplant, she has been experiencing strange visions. Although the visions are like from scenes of another life she lived. Darcy Silver recently lost her husband. In a strange consequence, Darcy also lost her lover. When Darcy meets Eden she feels an instant connection towards her. Eden and Darcy will soon discover just how close they really are. I found this book to be read-worthy. The premise of it was what had my attention. While, the characters were nice it did take me time to warm up to them, especially Darcy. In the beginning I found Darcy to be cold and emotionally detached. Where as with Eden she did have the whole transplant and visions thing going for her. Otherwise, I did find her boring as well in the beginning. As the story progressed it did get better. Then there was a lag during part 2 when thing...

Bernie and Chet are a team. Bernie is a private investigator. Lately, Bernie has been feeling the pinch in his financial situation. If it was not for this, he probably would have argued more with the Mayor about his latest job. The mayor wants to hire Bernie to baby sit a movie star. The town is the setting for a movie and Thad Perry is the star. Bernie is no one’s baby sitter but the money is good. It seems that Bernie will have to earn his money when someone tries to go after Thad. A Fistful of Collars is book five of the Chet and Bernie mystery books. I have been eyeing this series for a while but just never found a chance to check any of the books out until now. This is why it is a good thing that this book can be read as a stand alone novel. I thought this was a fun, charming read. Nothing to serious about it. This is what I liked the most. The characters were goofy but entertaining. I loved Chet. He is a great narrator. His input was valuable, funny, and observant like a d...

Nick Monday is a private detective. Nick is not just your run of the mill detective either. Nick has a knack for taking people’s luck. You did not know that you could steal someone’s luck. Well you can. Not everyone is born lucky, some purchase their own luck. This is where Nick comes in. Nick was sitting in his office when in walks a tall brunette. Her name is Tuesday Knight. She wants to hire Nick. Someone has stolen her father’s luck and she wants Nick to get it back. Tuesday’s father just happens to be the mayor of San Francisco. The payoff is right up Nick’s alley. Soon Nick finds himself in over his head. I have not read anything by this author yet. So this was my first time seeing what Mr. Browne had to bring to the table. He brought comedic relief, some wacky and interesting characters, a sarcastic main lead…all rolled up into a quick read! Yep, that is Lucky Bastard. Some are born lucky and others have to beg, steal and kill for it. I liked Nick Monday. He has an i...

Review by Nancy In a story with as many surprises as murders, Edward Wright shows us that unexpected tragedies can end up being totally unexpected happiness. Shannon hadn’t ever felt she fit in. She was dark-haired, sister Beth pure blond. Beth was whiney, beautiful and a dutiful daughter. Shannon met the folk at the city jail, smoked pot, and in general did all she could to not be what her parents wanted. Until they are killed. Then she uncovers photos of them marching, fists raised, protesting. PROTESTING?!? Roy and Mora Fairchild? The King and Queen of the university faculty? Who knew? Turns out quite a few people. Most with bad intentions. They think Shannon knows more than she does. They think she has the key to finding “the treasure.” She doesn’t but she’s damn sure going to! What a great story! There is familial love, many surprises, murders left and right and, through it all; Shannon doing things in her own, stubborn, sometimes misguided way but trying to make it al...

Jessica and Todd have broken the sister rule. Do not steal your sister’s old boyfriend. This is exactly what Jessica has done. Only this time it is more serious. Jessica and Todd say they love each other and they are planning on making it permanent by getting married. Once learning the news about Jessica and Todd, Elizabeth runs away to New York to start a new life. Only Elizabeth can not stop thinking about the past. I can remember growing up reading the Sweet Valley series and all the trouble and romances that Elizabeth and Jessica got into. All of the series were addicting. It has been a long time since I have read or thought about Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued but then I read mixed reviews about it and was unsure if I wanted to read this book. After reading the new six book mini ebook series about Jessica and Elizabeth that sort of picked up after this book, I decided to go ahead and read this book. This book was just...

Review by Nancy Anyone who has ever lead or been on a committee will tell you that this book it the honest truth. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Church committee, PTA, whatever – you will know these ladies well. You probably ARE one of them but may not admit it! Vera has been a pastor’s daughter, pastor’s wife and is now a pastor’s widow. She has run the Shaded Valley Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma her way for the past 25 years and now doesn’t know what to do with herself. So she continues on…..and on….. The other ladies in the Ladies Circle haven’t been happy with Vera for years but – she was the pastor’s wife and that was that. However, the “times they are a-changin’.” This book is hilarious, sad and wonderful. These ladies are their own worst enemies but strive to do Good Work for their church; sometimes in spite of themselves. There are such funny stories to be told! My favorite was the Christmas Pageant which Vera appoints the Church Organist to oversee. The ki...

Julia Sterling is the wife of Dr. Paul Sterling. Her husband is a psychiatrist. When Julia met Paul, she was seeing a psychiatrist. So when during the beginning of their marriage when Paul would treat Julia more like one of his patients then his wife, this would explain why Julia dealt with it. As the years passed however, Julia wanted Paul to see her more as his wife and not as his patient. This included being sexual in the bedroom. They have no relationship. Paul does not even want to touch Julia. Julia is offered a chance to write a book. It is about sex and therapists. In order to truly do the book justice, Julia decides to take a course in learning how to be a "phone sex therapist". Soon, Julia is talking to many clients. I had really high expectations of this book. I know what M. J. Rose can produce and so I was excited to try her as an erotic author. Unfortunately I was not feeling this book at all. The phone sex scenes were not enough to keep me interested. Th...

Review by Nancy I have read all of Stephen White's novels. I started when I lived In Longmont, CO which is basically Boulder-east and was so enthralled with Alan Gregory, Sam Purdy and their friends that I couldn't put any of them down. The same goes today - I loved this book. Alan, psychologist, therapist, husband, father and friend is about to find out all sorts of interesting thing about several folk in his life. He knows that Lauren, his wife, is a top-notch lawyer for the Boulder DA's office. He knows that his best friend Sam the cop is hiding something major. His partner, Diane, who has had several bad years; is coming apart at the seams. Not that she doesn't have reasons, but..... And then in walk two new patients: Amanda who has a background no one would want and Rick who is not at all who he seems to be. He's a lot more worrisome. Amanda's brother passed away from cancer and she helped ease his pain. Rick (aka Comadoe - you'd have to read i...

Meg Brennan Roberts is a publicist for Chad and Craig Hallahan. The Hallahan brothers own Dark Horse Winery. The winery is growing thanks to Meg. Chad approaches Meg and offers a golden opportunity. To go to the London Wine Fair with him to help promote the winery. Meg would like to go but there is the problem of her husband and family. She would have to leave them to attend. Meg’s husband tells Meg to go. Soon Chad and Meg are spending time together. The more time that they spend together, the more Meg starts to reevaluate her marriage. I have read several of Jane Porter books and enjoyed them. What I do like about them is that the women are strong and experiences. What I mean by this is that they are not young and have lived for a while. It has been a while since I have picked up a book by Jane. So when I saw she had a new book releasing I thought it was a good time to try her again. Unfortunately for me, this book did not hit the spot. I mean that Meg and Chad were fine and ...

Review by Nancy Laura Austin has just successfully left his philandering husband when a mother’s worst dream happens. Her son is kidnapped while at his father’s home of Willow Pond. Laura is sure that Phillip is behind it because his movie career is waning and there’s nothing like a hot story to bring him back. She never even considers the other people in her life. In the Roaring Twenties in New York where flappers abound and dirty deeds are blamed on the mob, the police are duds where investigation is concerned and, when the man they’ve just discovered was part of the deed ends up with a bullet in the head they’re stuck. Laura’s aunt Virginia has mob connections through her speak-easys and her lavish salon called Baccanel. Does she has have what it will take to help Laura find her son? Or – is she in on it? Never! This first novel is a gem. The descriptions of clothing, vehicles and saloons are dead on. The characters know all the local language from the era and the plot...

Nathan Malone is a Navy SEAL. He is leaving his new wife, Sabella. Nathan’s mission was to rescues three girls from a Colombian drug cartel, uncover the mole, and get out. Instead Nathan is captured and almost every bone in his body is broken. Nathan is lucky to be alive. Nathan has a new identity…Noah Blake. Nathan is fine with never seeing his wife again but when he learns that Sabella is in trouble with the Black Collar Militia, he can not just stand by and do nothing. Only how long with Nathan let Sabella believe that Nathan is dead and there is only Noah? Wild Card makes me want to sign up for my own Navy SEAL man. This is one steamy read. Noah and Sabella sizzle together. Sabella is one strong woman. She is Noah’s type. I am surprised however that Sabella did not realize that Noah was her husband sooner. I love that Sabella was loyal to her husband and did not just give in to Noah instantly. She did fight her desires for him in memory of her husband. However, it would be har...