I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Three women in a family must overcome secrets and heartbreak to heal old wounds and come together in author RaeAnne Thayne’s “The Sea Glass Cottage”, the second book in the Cape Sanctuary Series.
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The Synopsis
The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.
It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.
As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.
The Review
This was such a powerful and moving contemporary women’s fiction meets romance novel. The raw emotional draw of this narrative as the book explores the shared trauma that connects the cast of characters in this narrative, especially the three generations of women in this family, kept the reader invested in the development of this narrative, and the rich setting of Cape Sanctuary was well represented in the imagery of the author’s writing and became a character in their own right.
The rich character development was really what brought the whole narrative together. The trauma that each of these women were struggling with, from losses in their lives to both tragedy and addiction, to medical diagnosis and discovering shocking revelations regarding their parentage, these women embodied both strong yet vulnerable women who faced their hardships head on and learned to find a way to make room for others in their lives in the process.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author RaeAnne Thayne’s “The Sea Glass Cottage” is a must-read contemporary romance meets women’s fiction. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional connection of the characters, and the inspiring final chapters made this a remarkable story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
#1 Publishers Weekly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including seven RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A couple seeks revenge as a sleazy real-estate investor rolls into the small community of Serenity Acres in author Crystal Quast’s “Shafted”, the second book in the Serenity Acres series.
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The Synopsis
Fraud. A catfish. And murder on the menu. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Serenity Acres looks picture-perfect, but the secrets and the bodies are stacking up. A slick real estate investor rolls into town with a too-good-to-be-true deal that has the neighbors seeing dollar signs. But one couple isn’t buying in. They’re seeing red…for revenge. In this race to screw each other over, someone’s about to get shafted.
Shafted is book 2 in the Serenity Acres suburban mystery series. Each book can be read as a standalone, so you can dive in anywhere. No prior reading required.
The Review
The author does an incredible job of building on the suspense and drama of the first book while creating a wholly unique story that can be read as a standalone narrative and still pays off plot points from the first novel. The tension and atmospheric nature of each chapter add depth to the secrets and lies that lie beneath the surface of this close-knit community, and the exploration of sex, power, and money as motivations for deadly plots feels both relevant and cinematic in its delivery.
The heart of the novel was what has made this entire series so palpable, which is the character development. While the book featured a significant number of subplots with supporting characters that kept readers invested in the events unfolding in this community, the central focus on Clara and her husband, Evan, made the story all the more compelling to read. The twisted lengths they were willing to go through, especially Clara, made the novel feel visceral and delightfully wicked to get lost in.
The Verdict
Twisted, enthralling, and memorable, author Crystal Quast’s “Shafted” is a must-read suburban crime thriller and a great continuation of this series. The cinematic quality of this narrative felt like a mashup of great shows like Desperate Housewives, Revenge, and Tell Me Lies, while the twists and turns in the story’s final chapters add a bit of suspense that no one will see coming. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy of the book on October 15th, 2025!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman seeking to open up her own speakeasy-style bar and restaurant must contend with feelings for a longtime friend as complications arise in author Taj McCoy’s “The Dating Prohibition.”
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The Synopsis
In this spicy new rom-com, an ambitious entrepreneur working to get her speakeasy supper club off the ground is pushed off balance when her childhood crush turns up, hotter than ever–– then tells her she’s off-limits.
Now that Kendra’s returned home, she can’t help feeling like a kid again—back in her big brother’s shadow, trying to get her restaurant off the ground while his new venture is flying high right out the gate. It doesn’t help that everyone refuses to stop calling her Keke, the childhood nickname she loathes.
The only bright spot is her longtime crush BJ. He’s been her big brother’s best friend for most of her life, and he’s always been that cool, chill guy who was easy to talk to and made her laugh. Now he’s looking at her like she’s all grown up, and there’s nothing childish about the chemistry brewing between them. Even better, he takes her dreams seriously, and he’s ready to help her make her supper club a reality.
But then BJ extinguishes the sparks flying between them, insisting nothing romantic can ever happen because she’s “off limits.” As her investors fall through and her best chance at fulfilling her professional dreams points toward leaving home again for a fresh start, will BJ be ready for love before Kendra moves on? Or will he sweep her off her feet when she least expects it?
The Review
The balance of spicy romance and compelling character development was evident from the get-go of this stellar rom-com. The will-they/won’t-they tropes that went into this multicultural romance were so passionately written and kept readers invested in the narrative from the start. The story featured a strong family dynamic, both positive and negative. The struggle for protagonist Kendra to step out of her big brother’s shadow and the lack of support from other members of her family were balanced with the support of her cousin, her brother and his wife, and other close friends, and the way this played into both her professional and personal aspirations was both relatable and engaging.
The heat between BJ and Kendra was palpable to be sure, and yet the divide that kept them apart (BJ’s struggle to move on) spoke to the impact grief and loss can have on a person, and how it can impact relationships as a whole. Often, the ear and the idea of losing someone close to us again can drive us to push those away who could be good for us, and the author perfectly illustrated that in the rich dynamic between these two characters. The history and cultural explorations of both the restaurants the characters worked in and aspired to open, as well as the themes the restaurants embodied, added depth to this narrative.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, spicy, and entertaining, author Taj McCoy’s “The Dating Prohibition” is a must-read rom-com. The twists and turns in the story, the yearning and the need these characters feel for one another, and the dynamic culture that was brought into the narrative will resonate with so many readers as the climactic final chapter comes together. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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Oakland-born law grad Taj McCoy is committed to championing stories that include Black and multiracial women of color, plus-size protagonists, Black love, Black joy, and strong senses of sisterhood and familial bonds. Taj started writing as a small child, enjoying her first publications in elementary school. When she’s not writing, Taj may be on Twitter boosting other marginalized writers, practicing yoga, sharing recipes, or cooking private supper club meals for close friends.
Snort! Kendra jolted awake, her face pressed against the cool window shade. She forced a cough to clear her throat, her cheeks coloring as she realized she’d been snoring. Her eyes darted around to see if anyone in the neighboring seats had heard, and she rushed to wipe the side of her mouth, checking for drool. No one in the row in front of her seemed to have noticed anything, and she was thankful that most of the first- class passengers were wearing noise-canceling headphones and watching in-flight movies.
Pull yourself together, girl. Taking a deep breath, she covered her face with the palms of her hands, willing herself awake.
The sweet woman next to her patted her arm with a chuckle. “You must have been tired, dear. You missed the meal and everything!”
Thank god I didn’t have to pay for this upgrade. Kendra yawned and nodded in agreement. “I’ve traveled quite a bit in the past two weeks. I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep.” I could honestly go back to sleep right now.
“Are you heading home?”
Home.
She smiled tightly. “Yeah, something like that.” Truth was, she’d been a tumbleweed for the past two years. Home was wherever she decided to rest her head, though she’d been craving a place to plant her roots—something she hadn’t been sure she’d ever do when she left. And she never fathomed that she’d have a desire to return to the US to do so.
A chime sounded before a flight attendant spoke over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our de- scent into Reagan Washington National Airport. As we pre- pare for landing, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright and locked position. Your lap- tops should be put away and . . .”
Kendra offered a small smile to her neighbor. “Are you returning home?”
The woman shook her head, the scent of her gourmand perfume wafting over Kendra in waves of vanilla and toffee. “My daughter’s. She’s going to be induced next week. My fourth grandbaby!” She grinned with pride and rummaged through her purse, which she cradled in her lap protectively.
“Aw, congratulations! That’s so exciting.” A cell phone was shoved in her face, showing three smiling kids, two missing their front teeth. “They’re very cute.”
Once they landed and arrived at the gate, Kendra helped her row mate with her bag and headed toward baggage claim as her phone pinged with a text message.
Lani: Is you here yet?? Inquiring minds (aka your nosy brother and your parents) want to know . . .
Kendra: The eagle has landed.
Lani: Tuh! I know you haven’t returned from Gulliver’s travels with a big ass head SMH. Make sure you look like somethin before you waltz your ass up in here . . .
She rolled her eyes and sent her cousin a middle finger emoji before tucking her phone into her pocket. Returning home hit different now that Kendra was deemed a failure—it felt like tucking tail and admitting defeat after desperately trying to carve an uncharted path with nothing but hope and a blunt instrument. Whether anyone would admit it, the hushed tones of the family whisper network turned up the volume on every inadequacy and failed attempt, and once again the grumblings shone a spotlight directly onto Kendra. Always the fucking black sheep.
Kendra sighed, muttering to herself as she approached her fifth red light in a row. “Now they’ll get to harp on the fact that I’m late.” She glanced at the clock on her dashboard and shook her head with annoyance.
Having run home just long enough to drop off her suit- case and pick up her car, she’d rushed back out before her family started blowing up her phone. DC traffic was only predictable in that it was inevitable, and finding parking was next to impossible. Sometimes, the search for parking took as long as the commute. That never stopped Kendra from wanting to drive—yes, one could take the Metro or ride- share to a destination, but that meant having to depend on too many outside variables when she was ready to leave— she was too much of a control freak to depend on the time- liness of others, and when she wanted to go, she wanted to go. Waiting on others to do what she was more than capable of doing herself drove her up the wall. Being the baby in the family didn’t mean that she was any less capable than Big Bro.
Being away from home for two years left her second- guessing directions and she cursed under her breath as she missed her exit from the same traffic circle twice. At some point, people enjoying the park would begin to think she was casing the neighborhood. Kendra bit her lip, her eyes widen- ing as a car sped into the lane to her right as she attempted to maneuver over to catch the exit on her third try. She slid into the lane behind the Prius that had come out of nowhere and finally made the right turn out of the roundabout from hell.
Kendra zipped through the congestion on Rhode Island Avenue, having dropped all of her belongings off at the English basement apartment below her brother’s row house. The family golden boy. Logan had stopped offering the basement as a vacation rental when Kendra announced her return to town, and she’d eagerly agreed to help launch his new business for a month or two of free rent. Her best friend and cousin’s name appeared on the center console screen of Kendra’s Audi Q3, and she pressed a button on her steering wheel to answer her phone via the car’s Bluetooth system as she stopped at a traffic light. “Hey, girl, hey!”
“You’re late, you know,” Lani quipped in a hushed tone, evoking an immediate eye roll out of Kendra. “Everyone’s waiting for you to make an appearance! Logan said he hasn’t even seen you yet.”
“Yeah, that’s the beauty of smart locks—there’s no longer a need for me to knock on Logan’s front door and ask for a key to his basement. It’s bad enough that the prodigal child has to return and immediately ask her big brother for help for the umpteenth time.” Kendra chewed on her bottom lip, willing her face to express less of her reluctance to come back to the DMV area. It wasn’t that she didn’t love DC—she did—it was just that she was always hidden by Logan’s shadow. It wasn’t his fault, and Kendra looked up to Big Bro for everything he was able to accomplish, but sometimes his success sucked up all of the oxygen in the room.
“Now, don’t be dramatic, Keke,” Lani chided in her sing- songy voice.
Kendra bristled at her childhood nickname. “And remind me again why you couldn’t just let me come and stay at your place? You know that I’m not above bumming it on a couch.”
Lani tsked nonchalantly. “Come on, girl, no one should be subjected to that much sex. Can’t have you telling my aunt and uncle about my sexcapades. Your mom already thinks I’m too fast anyway.”
Kendra smirked. You are. “She already knows you’re fast, heffa.”
“You told her?!” Lani’s hushed growl made Kendra cackle. “You really don’t remember trying to sneak a boy into our house when you were staying with us for spring break?” She’d been grounded for the rest of high school and subjected to regular lectures about the birds and the bees. Auntie Mack refused to be a grandmother early, so she made herself an impactful prophylactic. Logan and all the boy cousins were tasked with looking out for Lani and Kendra, as if the lot weren’t all
pussy-whipped themselves.
“Uh, that was a teenage mistake. Does Auntie Al think I’m fast too? You haven’t told her anything recent, right?” Lani’s whispering was more of an exasperated shout with the volume turned down. “If she thinks I’m up to anything, she’ll tell my mom, and then I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Girl, your mom has known since you started wearing all that eyeliner in middle school,” Kendra chuckled. “And that mulberry lipstick? You thought you were serving. You’d hit ’em with the duck lips and hands on your hips anytime some- one tried to take a picture.”
Lani groaned. “Shut up, there’s a difference between duck lips and a smize. And thought? Bitch, I was stuntin’ on them hos.”
Kendra could practically hear the hair flip on the other side
of the line. “Mmmkay, well, back to what I was saying. I could be at your place hearing sex-foolery, but instead I’m up under Logan . . . again.” Thankfully there was a main floor between Kendra’s unit and her brother’s bedroom, so she was absolved from having to hear his sexcapades, but still.
“Well, but it’s only temporary, and besides, the savings is
good for you while you’re still in the planning stages of opening up your own spot.”
“Why must you be reasonable?” Kendra whined. Every- thing Lani said was true, but the closer she got to the bistro location that Logan and his wife, Shonda, were opening together, the more Kendra’s stomach performed a Simone Biles– level floor exercise—one of those extra good ones that would eventually be named after her because no one else could perfect it the way she could.
“One of us has to be reasonable, so suck it up, buttercup. Now, what’s your ETA?” Lani was resistant to Kendra’s shit— she had a no-nonsense approach to pretty much everything and didn’t believe in coddling unless she needed it herself. It didn’t help that, as cousins born two weeks apart, they’d been best friends since they shared a playpen. Lani knew all of Kendra’s tactics.
“I’m about to park. Give me a minute or two to gather myself, and then I’ll be in.” Well, maybe five minutes.
“Bet. Oh, and be careful when you walk in here, Keke—
Stanley just waxed the floors.”
“Noted.” Kendra steered her car into the first open parking spot. “I’ll be in there in a few.”
“’Kay, bye.”
The phone disconnected, and Kendra took a deep breath. What is awaiting me inside? She cursed herself for not asking who all would be present to help put the finishing touches on the restaurant before its opening in a few days. As she closed her eyes to meditate, her phone rang again. She jabbed at the button on her steering wheel. “We literally just hung up, Lani.”
“Well, don’t sit out in your car forever either. Someone already mentioned that they saw you pull up.”
Kendra rolled her eyes, kissing her teeth. “Get off my phone, ma’am. I need a sec.” Leave me be!
Lani dropped her voice to a gruff whisper. “Bring yo’ ass
in here, ho. A certain someone been askin’ about you.” She drew out the last word teasingly. “Take a fuckin’ hint,” she whispered through gritted teeth.
Kendra’s face scrunched up as her head tilted, her mind racing to run through the list of everyone she expected to be present in these final days of prep before the big launch. “Who?”
“Mr. Big and Sexy, the chocolate drop himself.”
Huh? Kendra blew out a breath loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Cousin, that description applies to half of the brothas in the DMV. Can you be more specific?”
“If you don’t carry your behind on You know what?
We don’t have time for this.” Lani’s hushed tone changed to a loud call. “Hey, look, y’all. I think that’s Keke’s car right there!” Voices in the background converged into a jumble drowned out by a peal of villainous laughter.
I’m gonna kill her. “Lani!” Kendra snapped as the call disconnected. So much for a moment of peace. She inhaled deeply, exhaling through her mouth before wiping the scowl from her face and climbing out of the car into a light breeze that made her pull her coat lapels closer to her neck. She flung her tote bag over her shoulder as she crossed the narrow side street to enter the front door of the brightly lit restaurant with a giant banner and the word PALATE set between a set of cutlery. “Here we go,” she muttered.
As Kendra stepped onto a narrow welcome mat just inside the glass door, which had been propped open to allow in the sharp almost-spring air, the scents of fresh paint and oranges wafted toward her. She peered around the dining room in search of the chocolate drop Lani was hinting about, making eye contact with her brother, Logan, and her sister-in-law, Shonda, whose face brightened as she headed toward the end of the bar to show some love. “Hey, you made it!”
“Yeah, I . . . whoa shit!” Kendra took one step forward and slipped, fully expecting to be met with the well-polished lacquered hardwood when a pair of strong arms wrapped around her and righted her, the warmth of a large hand imprinting the small of her back as her legs wobbled. “Right, careful with the floors . . . Thanks,” she laughed with embarrassment.
“Been a long time, Kenny,” a gravelly baritone voice caused her head to jerk upward. His sturdy six-foot frame drew closer, holding her against his hip so that she could steady herself. The scents of smoky oud and tobacco emanated from his skin. Kendra gulped as her eyes widened. Damn, he got even finer.
BJ Stephens glowered at her curiously, the same way he had when they were teenagers, and Kendra’s cheeks warmed as she took in his smooth umber skin. She’d never seen him in jeans and work boots before, but the look suited him.
“Hey, B, long time. How you been?” She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck as his wound around her waist. As she turned her head to peck his cheek, he moved slightly and her lips landed at the angle of his jaw, just below his ear, his closely-groomed beard soft against her skin. Her eyes bulged as she stepped back, unsure whether he’d think she tried to kiss his neck on purpose. Clumsy and awkward . . . we’re off to a great start. She made space between them, willing her cheeks not to broadcast her embarrassment. She cleared her throat before looking up at him.
BJ’s dark, spectacled eyes trained on her, his expression unreadable. “Good. But you’re the one who’s been gone. How were your travels? Last I heard, you were cooking your way through Asia and Europe.”
Kendra beamed, nodding. “I loved every minute of it. Ap- prenticed under a few chefs, caught up with a few cousins when I hit Thailand and the Philippines. Collected a ton of cooking techniques and recipes. Made some new friends and gave a few lessons on Creole cooking.”
“You didn’t make new friends at the expense of old ones, I hope.” The corners of his mouth twitched, drawing Kendra’s attention to his full lips. It always took a lot to make BJ smile. A laugh was even more rare but craveable. As long as Kendra had known her brother’s best friend, she never was good at reading him. Once in a while, he’d allow his face to show his playfulness, but most of the time, his underwhelmed, almost gruff expression remained constant. Joy, pain—even annoyance—were less common expressions than the general grumpy-observer vibe he gave off. But behind the prickly mask was an intelligent, loyal, good human who often put others before himself.
“Never that,” she laughed. They’d known each other for over two decades—ever since her family had relocated from New Orleans to the nation’s capital. Kendra had been in middle school, and Logan was just about to start high school. He met BJ his first day of classes, and they became fast friends after almost coming to blows over the attentions of the same girl. Logan had brought BJ home for some of Momma’s cooking to make amends, and the rest was history—Momma won over many hearts with her Creole family recipes, and BJ’s was no exception. Logan had been lucky. Truth be told, BJ would have whooped his ass.
BJ was a gym rat to the core, but as focused as he was on macros to build muscle mass, he made two exceptions without question: Momma’s cookin’ and good whiskey. As he solidified his place within the family’s inner circle, he’d always been the one to mediate Kendra’s arguments with her brother—a dependable voice of reason who wasn’t quick to pick sides.
Kendra and Logan never fought physically—Momma would never allow that—but Kendra would cut to the white meat with her words, and when she went low, Logan went straight to the depths of hell. “You still enjoying the professor life? I heard you were awarded tenure while I was out of the country. Congratulations are in order! I was really excited to hear the news. You’ve worked so hard to get to this place.”
His head bobbed as he smoothed a hand over his facial hair. The top half of his dark, shoulder-length locs were twisted and tied back away from his face as he regarded her intently. “Thanks! Yeah, it’s been good so far, but I’m on sabbatical this semester. I need to do some research for my next book proposal.”
BJ taught courses on historic preservation, focusing on heritage conservation, architectural history and preservation, urban planning, and adaptive reuse. Most of it went over Ken- dra’s head, but she loved that he focused a good amount of his work on Black heritage tourism. The way that he highlighted the importance of transforming abandoned sites to frame and highlight pivotal points in history had always been a source of inspiration for her.
Kendra tilted her head. “About that, actually, maybe I can pick your brain about something later. I’ve got something brewing businesswise, and it’s right up your alley.” She tapped his arm with her fingers and admired the results that his hard work in the gym had developed.
BJ’s eyebrows rose, but Lani slid across the floor Risky Business–style right into Kendra’s arms before he could respond. He nodded brusquely and sauntered back toward the bar, where Logan was installing some shelving.
“Bitch, you made it!” Her cousin squeezed Kendra tightly before stepping back to assess her appearance, a wrinkle forming between her eyebrows. Lani was all about vibrant colors, and Kendra’s palette was much more neutral, so she was al- ways being bullied to step outside of her comfort zone and into prints that she found too busy, too bright, too attention- grabbing. Lani was in a pair of ripped, acid-washed blue jeans and a loud color-blocked sweater with bright red sneakers. She narrowed her eyes at what she would consider to be low frequencies emanating from Kendra’s look.
Kendra dropped a hand onto her hip and posed. “Don’t play me, I know I look good.” Her coffee-colored duster over a white cropped tee and white high-waisted jogger pants hugged her curves and made her feel clean, like fresh air after a hard rain. She’d pulled her thick, silk-pressed tresses into a sleek ponytail, and per usual, her shades sat on top of her head like a headband. Kendra ran her fingers through her pony- tail, curling the ends around her index finger, and popped her tongue playfully.
Lani leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Mmm-hmm. And a certain someone noticed too.”
“Who? Stanley? I wouldn’t exactly describe him as a chocolate drop. Maybe more like a hazelnut latte.” Kendra tilted her head, assessing the occupants of the room. There was Logan and Shonda, BJ, Auntie Al, Shonda’s sister Bree, Kendra’s par- ents, and Stanley, who was staring at Lani like she stole some- thin’. Logan had a team of people that he’d walked back toward the kitchen, who Kendra assumed were the new restaurant staff. BJ was carrying cartons of wine and spirits down to the basement cellar. Kendra’s mom and Aunt Alisa were pretending to wipe down the counters, but they’d been hovering over the same spot at the bar pointing at Kendra and whispering. The family motto should be: “Subtlety? We don’t know her.”
Stanley’s tall and lean build was squeezed behind some shelving that he was putting together for a wall display. Ken- dra’s dad, Braxton, was reading the assembly instructions aloud to Stanley, whose attention remained trained on Lani, who seemed completely unaware. Kendra made eye contact with Shonda across the room, gesturing slightly with her chin toward Stanley, and Shonda’s smile grew wide. She nodded slowly, steepling her fingers like a mastermind with an evil plan. Kendra winked in response.
“Not Stanley, silly. BJ was asking about you,” Lani whispered, her arm entwined with Kendra’s to keep her from slip- ping again.
BJ? Kendra’s face screwed up into a giant question mark. “Huh? Why?”
Her cousin shrugged. “I’ve been clocking it for the last week. Anytime your name was brought up, he was all ears.”
“I mean, we’ve known the guy a long time, so that doesn’t feel out of the ordinary to me. We haven’t seen each other in years.” Kendra’s last post before her travels was in Silicon Valley. She often returned home for the holidays, but BJ al- ways went to be with his parents in Charlotte. When Kendra had been laid off from her role as a chief data officer for a thriving startup that was absorbed by a tech giant, she’d taken her generous severance package and savings to do some soul- searching around the globe. BJ had checked in once in a while to ask where she was and how she was doing. He’d always been thoughtful in that way.
After visiting family in Thailand and the Philippines, Kendra went to parts of Europe and finished off her trip in New Orleans spending quality time with her Granny. Each destination brought her new adventures and lessons in the culinary world and in determining what tools she would use to pave her path. Everyone in the family had built a legacy in their own way, and it finally felt like Kendra’s turn.
“There’s my ray of sunshine!” Kendra’s dad opened his arms and wrapped her into a warm hug, the scent of tobacco smoke lingering on his jacket.
She squeezed him tight, tucking her chin for her father to kiss her forehead. “Daddy! Mmm, what cigar were you smoking? It smells spicy.”
“Your brother bought me a box of maduros, so we decided to have some coffee and sample them before we got started today.” Her dad’s bronzed skin and thick, straight hair was tousled with some sort of product. Born in Los Angeles to a Filipino mother and a Thai father, he was the embodiment of California, wearing a jean jacket over a light sweater and slacks. When he met his wife, Regina, at George Washington University, he embraced DC with her, setting down roots, eventually convincing Auntie Al and Uncle Ronnie to move up from New Orleans to experience all four seasons. Their time in DC was cut short as they moved back to New Orleans when they started their family––free childcare was worth the return, thanks to Granny and PawPaw.
Once Kendra and Logan were old enough to fend for themselves, Braxton and Regina moved back into their DC home, which they’d rented out while down south. Auntie Mack fell in love with Charleston, and Kendra’s maternal grandmother remained in New Orleans alone now that Paw- Paw had passed. Her paternal grandparents remained in Los Angeles, giving her a reason to get some California sunshine whenever possible, but she’d caught them on their annual trip to visit family during her time in Asia.
“That’s a bold move to start with a maduro, but you know I like those. Especially if the coffee happened to be Irish.” Kendra shared a knowing glance with her father as she pulled back, his arm still around her waist.
Braxton Porter kissed his daughter’s cheek, lowering his voice to barely a whisper before winking at her mischievously. “Your brother and I may have already had an Irish coffee or two out on the patio. Don’t tell your mother.”
Kendra giggled, raising her hands in surrender. “Your secret is safe with me.” They walked toward the bar area, which was painted a deep emerald green with creamy quartz countertops and golden fixtures. The herringbone pattern in the cherrywood flooring gleamed with gradients of reddish browns. “Wow, this place is gorgeous,” she gushed.
Natural light flooded in through massive picture windows dressed with velvet curtains the color of the faintest blush. On the windowsills were decorative vases and small plants, like succulents and snake plants—ones that didn’t require a lot of attention. On the walls were several blown-up photographs from Logan and Shonda’s travels as they’d hit different countries on their bucket list and sampled different cuisines to find the right balance of flavors to feature on their menu of global fare. BJ had busied himself hanging another portrait, and Kendra studied his profile, taking in the broadness of his shoulders and the way his Henley sleeves were pushed up to his forearms, the fabric over his chest and arms hugging his physique. This man just gets better with age . . .
“Yo, can you chill, cuz? You are lookin’ at him like he’s a
four-course meal and you wanna come back for seconds . . .”
Kendra froze, her neck and cheeks immediately coloring at Lani’s observation. “Say it louder, I think the kitchen staff didn’t hear you!” Kendra hissed, her attention snapping away from the strong arms lifting a black-and-white photograph of a wine cellar full of barrels on a long wall leading toward the unisex bathrooms.
BJ glanced in her direction before returning to his task and leveling the frame. Heat crawled up the column of Kendra’s throat, her skin boiling as she stared her cousin down.
“If he heard you, I swear on all things holy that I will tell your mom all about how her favorite cashmere sweater got ruined.” Kendra wiggled her fingers like she was casting a spell on her cousin.
“You wouldn’t.” Lani’s eyes darted around in a panic. As teenagers, she and Kendra snuck out to meet some boys, and Lani swiped her mom’s ultrasoft cardigan to wear over a barely there tank top and coochie cutters. The fast heffa swore the sweater added a level of sophistication to her look. Suffice it to say that it was St. Patty’s Day, and she spilled a green pint of beer on the luxe creamy knit, leaving a giant mint-colored swatch that she couldn’t explain. Instead, Lani framed the family dog and asserted that he’d dragged the sweater outside into the grass. Auntie Mack was devastated.
Kendra’s sinister smile spread like the Grinch stealing Christmas. “Try me.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man reeling from the death of his sister must discover the family secrets buried in a nearby forest in author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness.”
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The Synopsis
Still shaken by the death of his older sister, 14-year-old Jeremy Gardela is sent on a mission by his panicked aunt, to find a family secret she believes is buried in the dark forests which surround their small rural town. When Jeremy returns, he is leading a mysterious stranger who represents a vein of magic that has run for decades within the Gardela family. Within This Darkness is a deeply felt story about loss and friendship, and finding something, or someone, to hold onto, when you’re drifting helplessly into the night.
The Review
This was a rich and compelling blend of historical fiction and magical realism, with a touch of coming-of-age fantasy storytelling. The world-building and mythos that the author creates feel both mystical and grounded simultaneously, connecting generations of a family through tragedy and grief, which speaks to the enduring power of family connections. The characters themselves feel real and undergo a thorough journey of growth and exploration, allowing readers to become invested in them.
The emotional heart of this story was in the ways the book explored loss and grief so thoroughly. The loss of Jeremy’s sister punctuates the narrative early on, and the author does a remarkable job of exploring how such a loss can impact those left behind. The way this leans into the overall story with his relatives from a century ago and the fantasy element with how he discovers Agata adds to the idea of family and loss greatly. The way the military leader hunts for answers adds a sense of danger and tension, bringing a touch of the Stranger Things element, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The Verdict
Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness” is a must-read historical fiction meets magical fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich family connections between the characters, and the incredible balance of action with story make this novel a standout that readers will be eager to see a sequel to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Chris Tomasini is a writer living in Ontario, Canada.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Chris spent two summers in England in the mid 1990s. He taught English as a Second Language in Europe and Asia in the late 1990s, and, since 2000, has worked in bookstores, publishing, and libraries.
He has studied creative writing through Humber College’s Correspondence Program in Creative Writing, and via the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.
If he isn’t parenting, working, or writing, he is riding a bicycle.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A journalist uncovers a deadly conspiracy in her small town at a local book fair in author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception.”
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The Synopsis
The beautiful vibrant seaside village of Coral Cove is hosting its famous book fair and Tony Blane anticipates unveiling his manuscript exposing an increasing environmental crisis affecting the cove’s water and wildlife. Maxy Harper, a renowned journalist, returned to her childhood home to detox from the 24/7 stress of the crime beat in Washington. She was Tony’s fierce childhood friend and high school sweetheart and is covering the book fair for her podcast.
Excitement turns to horror when Tony’s manuscript vanished and things take a darker turn when Tony’s mentor is found dead at the fair. Maxy’s instincts kick in with a vengeance, and she dives into questioning witnesses, uncovering secrets past and present that point to the imminent risks to Coral Cove’s children and wildlife. Maxy and Tony embark on an investigation filled with danger, quirky locals, including a witchy “wise woman”, a Haitian grandmother known to be a voodoo priestess, and dangerous corrupt officials.
Threats build to stop the investigation. The arrogant police chief is aggressively pressured to downplay the concerns and wrap up the murder quickly. Maxy follows clues and leads a covert expedition to a neighboring island, exploring pirate caves and discovering toxins that explain the poisoning of the cove. A deadly confrontation ensues, forcing her to use every ounce of her wits to outsmart their pursuers. As things heat up and danger lurks, Maxy and Tony grow closer, rekindling their affections of long ago.
An aggressive grass roots campaign brings the community to a rapid boil creating intense pressure on officials that can’t be ignored. Reluctant state and federal authorities are forced into Coral Cove’s fight. The heir of the Allen family businesses joins Maxy and newfound official support to uncover the fraud and corruption at the root of the increasing jeopardy to Coral Cove.
The community simmers as the mysteries behind the poisoning and death are uncovered.
The Review
This was such a compelling and driven cozy mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of building on the mystery and intrigue of the first novel in this series, capturing the setting of Coral Cove perfectly while delving deeper into the town’s past and the history that shaped it into what it is today. The rich character dynamics at play, both in terms of the protagonists and the townspeople themselves, all kept me invested in the overall story being told.
It was the way the author balanced the narrative that made this feel so fresh and engaging. The blend of environmental justice with the murder mystery and conspiracy angle the story took kept the steady pacing exciting, and the tension as the investigation was brought to new heights made this an exhilarating journey. Blend this with the fantastic trio of Maxy, Tom, and Tony, and their dedication to the truth, along with the promise of a possible rekindled romance, and this is the perfect small-town mystery to get lost in.
The Verdict
Harrowing, mystery-driven, and entertaining, author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the depth of character arcs in this narrative (including the town itself), and the atmospheric nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story and these characters for hopefully more stories in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His prose reflects the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent. It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.
J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs. He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.
There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.
J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A decade into a ruthless war, an unrelenting enemy’s latest plans are discovered in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron”, the third book in the Crafting Humanity series.
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The Synopsis
After a decade at war the BlankZone has begun its final move to eradicate the Federation.
The Federation has fallen. James and his team have fought against the BlankZone’s assault for the last decade traveling across the country to the independent city states operating the last remnants of Federation society. For years, the war has existed as a stalemate. James and the remaining Federation soldiers have organized under NOLA, a new decentralized force based in its namesake city of New Orleans. Meanwhile, the BlankZone has used its Sentinels and inhuman soldiers to raze every city it can, leaving piles of ash in its wake.
With the war against the BlankZone in an unending cycle James and the team have split up on separate missions. As they are returning from a routine operation, James stumbles upon supplies being transported, heading towards the Federation’s desolate north. Along with his team, James makes his way towards the Federation’s destroyed northeastern cities to discover why the BlankZone is focusing their efforts in such a barren location. Join the journey to uncover the next step in the BlankZone’s plan to destroy the Federation. The world has changed drastically and James must find answers before it’s too late.
The Review
Exhilarating and thrilling, the author does an incredible job of upping the ante in this narrative while also making this more character-driven. The intense action and the detailed way the author brings to life what life is like on the front lines of a war-torn world was vivid and richly developed, and the shocking revelations that come from unexpected sources about what the BZ is doing not only to the Exils but their plans for the surviving remnants of the Federation as a whole drives the characters forward at an unpralleled pace, giving readers an intense connection to these characters.
In many ways, this novel was one of the most intimate of the entire series to date. James especially deserves a special shoutout as the protagonist, showcasing the legend that has grown over the years due to his and his team’s exploits and showing both physically and emotionally how the war has left its scars on him and his allies. The return of a hated foe leaves an even bigger scar that will shock readers, and the infusion of a potential love interest for James with a particular character will create more heart and connection that readers will be able to hold onto.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and action-packed, author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron” is a must-read and entertaining dystopian action thriller. The mystery of the BZ and what they’re building, the tension that mounts as the world develops, and the rich character development will stay with readers as they eagerly await the next entry in the Crafting Humanity series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.
It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.
Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.
Finally, visit craftinghumanity.com and sign up for our email lists for news, updates, and information on the rest of the Crafting Humanity series. We will not spam you!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman working as a maid must unravel the web of lies she is caught in to discover the identity of a murderer in author Nita Prose’s “The Maid.”
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The Synopsis
In development as a major motion picture
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
The Review
This was such a richly developed and compelling thriller. Molly is such a unique protagonist and the instant draw of this narrative. Her candid view and open way of speaking freely about what’s on her mind, as well as the struggles she faces with conversing and understanding others in social situations, make her relatable. The harrowing experiences she encounters throughout this narrative add a special twist to the classic murder mystery narrative. The way this cast of characters comes together is fantastic, and the way Molly can find her community and group of friends to come together and face this growing conspiracy of murder makes this a thrilling narrative.
The fast-paced and tense atmosphere of this novel’s story was perfectly laid out for readers, allowing them to search high and low for their list of suspects as the mystery unfolded. The emotional backstory that unfolds as readers learn more about Molly, Giselle, and so many others not only keeps the narrative fascinating and moving but also speaks to the nature of human connection and how people connect and communicate with one another as a whole.
The Verdict
Enthralling, memorable, and thrilling, author Nita Prose’s “The Maid” is a must-read murder mystery and crime thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative will speak to fans of Only Murders in the Building and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, adding humor and wit to the dialogue and directness of Molly and her friends, and the intrigue of the mystery behind Mr. Black’s death will have fans on the edge of their seats for much of this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Nita Prose is the author of the The Maid series, which has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and was published in over forty countries. A #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller and a GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick, THE MAID won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. THE MAID was also an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. Nita lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is moderately clean.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A boy and his family explore how to prepare and face the dangers of a tornado in authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado”, the second book in the Navigating Natural Disasters book series.
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The Synopsis
“It’s time to go to the shelter. Now!” As their radio buzzes a tornado warning and sirens wail in the distance, Oliver, his sister Emma, and their parents move quickly to find shelter from an approaching tornado.
The family has been getting ready for hours as storm clouds gather and the skies turn a creepy green and gray. Despite his fear, Oliver knows they have done all they can to protect their home, property, and the animals on their small family farm. Now, it’s time to take shelter as a large funnel cloud roars across the fields towards their home.
Oliver is afraid that his home could be blown away. He’s concerned that everything he knows and loves could be damaged or destroyed by the rampaging storm. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to their emergency storm shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.
Oliver and the Twisting Tornado explores the natural fears of a child facing a life-changing storm that can hit with little or no warning. Tornadoes can cause widespread damage, both physical and emotional. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community working together in the face of a major natural disaster.
Oliver and the Twisting Tornado emphasizes thoughtful preparation, family connection, and community support, making it a timely and helpful resource for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone teaching tornado safety and working to build resilience among young people. Oliver and the Twisting Tornado supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children manage storm-related anxiety, understand tornado alerts, and feel confident in taking action.
The Review
This was yet another stellar children’s read from both authors. The book continues the essential lessons and rich storytelling that the first book in this series established, crafting believable and relatable characters that both children and parents can identify with while educating young readers. The muted yet engaging illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova brought the characters and the realities of life in an area prone to tornadoes to life perfectly, keeping the reader invested in the narrative.
The calm and detailed way the authors lay out storm preparedness and showcase the emotional family and community connections at the same time was a big draw for this book. The clear and concise way the steps needed to prepare for a storm are laid out for readers help drive home the importance of being prepared for such a storm, while the way the family and the community band together in the storm’s wake is an uplifting and inspiring way to instill that sense of belonging and caring that children should have at that early an age.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado” is an excellent entry in the authors’ series on natural disasters and a must-read children’s book. The fast-paced story and relatability of the narrative will stay with readers, keeping them eager for more in this growing children’s series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.
Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books.
Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.
Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.
While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.
Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman searching for answers discovers a darker truth than she could have imagined in the book “Finding Destiny” by Aliyah Hastings.
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The Synopsis
The truth is hidden in plain sight, and the answers will cost her everything.
Tara has spent her life chasing the truth, the mystery of her father’s death, and the secrets buried with him. But when she is torn from her quiet existence and thrust into the heart of Velmora, a city consumed by a malevolent presence, she stumbles into something ancient.
What she thought was a simple pursuit of truth was only the beginning. Each revelation unveils a deeper layer of deceit. And when a sacred ceremony ends in bloodshed, Tara is forced to flee. But running is not enough. The Queen is rising, and her influence is rapidly expanding; even the heavens aren’t safe.
The world is teetering on the brink. What’s she going to do?
The Review
This was a compelling and richly developed new fantasy-driven narrative. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting islands that felt both realistic and relatable, and creating a world that was deeply complex in both politics and religion, much like our own world. The suspense and atmosphere that came to life on the page, especially when confronted with the revelations behind the protagonist’s father’s death, kept me, as a reader, on the edge of my seat.
The connected themes and rich character development were what kept me invested in this story. The concept of loss and grief, as well as the idea behind faith and its profound impact on individuals who become deeply devoted to it, is well-represented in this story, particularly in the exploration of the relationship between Tara and her mother. The duality of Tara’s backstory and her parents’ relationship was a significant draw for readers who connected with Tara as a protagonist as well.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Aliyah Hastings’s “Finding Destiny” is a great and powerful fantasy-driven narrative and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the story, the cliffhanger ending, and the emotional gut-punch that the protagonist must endure make this a compelling novel that deserves a sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Aliyah, an author, driven by a passion for sharing the wisdom of my personal story through the art of storytelling. Whether it’s crafting characters in a captivating fantasy novel or narrating real-life experiences in non-fiction, writing has become my refuge, a source of healing, and a means of offering comfort to others.
A devoted anime enthusiast since my childhood, I find immense joy in exploring the fantastical realms of imagination. It is within these realms that I let my creativity roam free, giving birth to vibrant characters and immersive worlds.
Yet, my writing journey doesn’t end with fantasy alone. In my non-fiction narratives, I blend my personal narrative with the influence of biblical wisdom. These stories carry a deep healing quality, providing solace and a sense of comfort to those who delve into their pages. My aim is to ensure that each reader feels seen, heard, and edified by the stories I share.
Welcome to my world where the power of words knows no bounds.
