Kate Morton's Homecoming

“Home is where the heart is, and the heart could be a dark and damaged place.” -Kate Morton

Homecoming brings current day secrets and past secrets colliding into a mystery of how the Turner family really died. The reader is cast into a small town in South Australia that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a story that starts with a shocking crime that leaves ripples and mysteries for decades to come. Morton does an amazing job leading the reader through the interviews, characters, and stories, casting shadows and theories at you until you get to the satisfying ending and all has been revealed. I will admit, I wasn’t sure until the very end that we would ever know the whole truth but rest assured, Morton doesn’t disappoint. 

On a personal note, I come from the West Coast in a location that has 4 seasons and usually months of snow, so thinking of Christmas time as hot weather was so crazy! 

I love Kate Morton’s stories and endeavor to read everything she writes: beautiful almost gothic settings, layered times in history for unfolding the story and mysteries set before us, & voices that suck you in as the joy of portable magic with words should.

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden

Hello Dear Readers, 

I just finished reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. This book seemed to be everywhere I looked at books. I decided to follow the hype on it and try reading it. The Housemaid definitely tugged me in and sparked my curiosity. Pretty soon it started getting really frustrating and causing anxiety because of the characters actions. I decided to pause my reading and not take it with me for my vacation. I was worried I would be on the plane, angry at the book, and no one wants that. When I got back home (from an amazing vacation!!) the book, or rather the face in the keyhole, stared at me from my nightstand, taunting me to pick it back up and finish it. I was over halfway through the novel and it was pretty dang good as things finally started being revealed (although the cover does tell you there will be a twist so read on until you get twisty). I was glad I fell back into the story for some much needed character closure but I won't read the next book in the series. I would also caution there are potential triggers in this book so know your comfort zones beyond wanting to try out a mystery thriller novel being buzzed about. 

The Expanded World of Jane Austen

 Hello Dear Readers,

Today I wanted to spill the tea chatting about the world of Jane Austen novels. Austen novels are one of my oldest and most steadfast loves. Like with all our favorite authors, we poor readers are left in sad dry spells when we realize we have read all our beloved authors novels! For Diana Gabaldon fans this is known as “Droughtlander.” LOL!  Never fear fellow Austenite fans! Today, I want to share my top 6 favorite novels by authors who have either continued a Jane Austen novel or wrote fun (usually spicier) tales around Ms. Austen’s world. I love reading books reimagining the characters she wrote. The wit, wisdom, and romance of Jane Austen is eternal.

Becky Banks' The Clan MacLaoch Curse Series Books 1 & 2!

I spent an amazing weekend reading these lovelies: book 1 is The Legend of Lady MacLaoch and Book 2 is The Legend of the Viking. Want to go on vacation but can't? Have you been to Scotland and want to remember all the luscious memories? Romance fan? Craving adventure and figuring out how to break curses? BOOM! Magic awaits you within these pages... this series has it all. Get ready to fall in love. Plus, Ms. Banks has other books you can read while we wait for book 3!