Cheryl's Book Nook

As far as Alix is concerned, she has no past only today, and her plans for the future: creating a dynamic stable of Thoroughbreds that will take the 1830s British racing world by storm. When forced into assuming the role of Lord Griffon's wife in London, her plans are threatened by disturbing images of a castle from her past that fight to resurface. Alix is determined to find a way to take control of her life and fulfill her dreams. This women's historical fiction novel is the first in the Midnight Series." My Review I really enjoyed the time period for this book. As a horse lover, I am always happy to see horses in a book. Alix is no wilting flower. Unlike her sister, Lily, who is spoiled and not warm or personable. Alix came out right away with spunk. Someone else that did not let Alix get away with her attitude is maid, Jenny. She pushed back. I was not sure through about her attitude and if I liked her. By the end of the book I could not get enough of her and Ali...

Description The latest emotional rollercoaster of a novel from a master of tearjerkers and family fiction. Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home, and a successful career. Everything is perfect—or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. Because an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has invaded Mac’s fragile mind and it is about to drop him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system, and the struggles of an invisible disease, he loses everything—most importantly his family. One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes might contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again. My Review This is probably the first time where I didn...

Description Kevin Palmer is a regular sort of guy, or he was until his life fell apart. His wife, his money, his business and his reputation are all taken away from him. He tries to fight back and ends up in prison. There he concocts elaborate fantasies to wreak vengeance. He is sent to work in an abattoir and the final piece of the jigsaw falls into place with chilling consequences. Then a cruel twist of fate changes everything. DI Rosalind Kray is battling her own demons having returned to work following a brutal attack. She finds herself on the trail of a sick and twisted killer and cracks the macabre pattern of murders. But her boss is unconvinced. Kray has Palmer squarely in her sights. But he has other ideas … Can Kray break him in time to save the final victim? Time is running out.   My Review   This is my first book from author, Rob Ashman. You can say it was a smash hit with me. It is gritty and dark without being too gory. Although, I am not ...

A sparkling debut set in Mark Twain's boyhood town, FLOOD is a story of what it means to be lost…and found. Laura Brooks fled her hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, ten years ago after a historic flood and personal heartbreak. Now she’s returned unannounced, and her family and friends don't know what to make of it. She says she's just home for a brief visit and her high-school reunion, but she's carrying too much luggage for that: literal and metaphorical. Soon Laura is embroiled in small-town affairs—the contentious divorce of her rowdy best friend, Rose; the campaign of her twelve-year-old godson, Bobby, to become the town's official Tom Sawyer; and the renewed interest of the man Laura once thought she'd marry, Sammy McGuire. Leaving town when she was eighteen had been Laura’s only option. She feared a stifling existence in a town ruled by its past, its mythological devotion to Mark Twain, and the economic and racial divide that runs as deep as the Mississip...

When Leah Reinhart was six years old her family moved to an unlikely neighborhood on a hill much like the country—a place where everyone dressed and lived like they were living a real-life Little House on the Prairie. Yet their new home was in Oakland, California, and everything surrounding Leah’s neighborhood was the polar opposite of their old-fashioned lifestyle. As an already scared little white girl, Leah quickly learned that she would have to learn to face many of her fears in this new town, or she would get eaten alive. But in her search for acceptance, she unknowingly joined a cult—and she spent much of her life afterward trying to break free of the damaging patterns she was taught there.    My Review Mrs. Reinhart starts out with her son asking why anyone would read her book as she is not famous. Mrs. Reinhart replies because everyone had a unique story. She is right. Everyone does have a story to tell. I am glad that Leah decided to share her story with the ...

Description Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter, had their lives turned upside down when they adopted their pig-daughter Esther--the so-called micro pig who turned out to be a full-sized commercial pig growing to a whopping 600 pounds--as they describe in their bestselling memoir Esther the Wonder Pig . The book ends with them moving to a new farm, and starting a new wonderful life where they will live on the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary to care for other animals and just live happily ever after... Or so they thought. People often think about giving it all up and just moving to a farm. In theory it sure does sound great. But as Derek and Steve quickly realized, the realities of being a farmer--especially when you have never lived on a farm let alone outside of the city--can be frantic, crazy, and even insane. Not only are they adjusting to farm life and dutifully taking care of their pig-daughter Esther (who by the way lives in the master bedroom of their house), but before t...

Description Managing a fitness club café and collaborating on a cookbook with her grandfather are Val Deniston’s usual specialties, but she’s about to set sail into nearby Chesapeake Bay—straight into a murder case . . . Since catering themed events is a good way to make extra cash, Val agrees to board the Titanic —or at least cater a re-creation of the doomed journey on a yacht. The owner of the yacht, who collects memorabilia related to the disaster, wants Val to serve the last meal the Titanic passengers ate . . . while his guests play a murder-mystery game. But it is the final feast for one passenger who disappears from the ship. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.     Now Val has to reel in a killer before s’more murders go down . . . Includes delicious five-ingredient recipes!     My Review     This is the first book I have read from this author and in this series. Instant connection. I really thoroughly enjoyed the cha...