Book Review for Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

Wow! This book was incredible from beginning to end. I blew past my bedtime to finish! It won’t be for everyone though. As noted by the author in a letter at the beginning of the book, it is graphically violent. That shouldn’t come as a surprise when you pick up a book about an assassin but it is worth noting. I found myself pulled along, though, wanting to know more about Nena’s story.

To read the full review visit: http://celebratingauthors.ca/2023/08/09/book-review-for-her-name-is-knight-by-yasawriter-amazonpub/.

_____________________

This review is simply the personal opinion of Carolyn Arnold. Expressions and opinions are her own and not influenced by external sources, nor is she benefited financially or otherwise in any way. She simply believes in supporting her fellow authors and sharing her thoughts on a book in that spirit alone.

Book Review for The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency by @LindaTyler100

Maud signed up to catch a jewel thief, but she gets more than she bargained for. When the victim of a robbery is murdered, Maud needs to bag a killer.

Maud is a lady and comes from money, but she's ambitious and wants to make a life for herself. Sitting around and finding a husband isn't her idea of living a life of purpose. She decides to leave her pampered life behind to open a private investigation firm and takes her former maid, Daisy, with her. 

But in their day and age, business and ambition were typically left to men. Due to this, at first it's looking like their new business is going to get off to a rough start, but soon the cases start coming in. Their first client is a duchess hosting a weekend affair, concerned about the jewels of her wealthy guests getting pinched. After all, there have been a spite of robberies in the area recently. But when a guest's diamond necklace is stolen, that's not the only crime that was committed. The owner of the necklace was murdered.

This puts Maud and Daisy in over their heads, but they still manage to keep calm and get the job done. And while there's an arrest, it doesn't settle. There has to be more to what happened, but it's not until Maud and Daisy pick up a couple more cases, that the pieces start to go together. 

I found this book to be a good introduction to a new series. The pairing of Maud and her assistant, Daisy, worked well but as the series advances, I'd like to hear more from Daisy. With that said, this book was an enjoyable, light read, and I'm interested to see where the series will go.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for The Woman at Number 6 by @mfarrellwriter

This twisty corkscrew of a ride will give you whiplash!

This book was a blend of domestic suspense meets police procedural. It started off like the former with Tracy leaving her husband and taking with her therapist. But then it takes a turn, and another, and another... 

On her way home to talk things out with her husband, a car is tailing her. When Tracy takes a back road in an effort to ditch this person, she soon finds out that she failed in doing so. Next thing she knows her car is being pushed in the river. While she manages to get out before it fully goes under, she runs. Her pursuer follows and what happened from there is revealed through several scenes as the book goes on.

In the meantime, there are two police investigations. There is one involving the murder of a lawyer and one Tracy's disappearance. But who exactly was this lawyer and how is her murder at all connected with the story? You'll need to read the book to find out. 

I don't want to say too much more to risk giving spoilers, but if you like complicated, layered stories, this is not one to be missed! I highly recommend. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for THE LIE by Kathryn Croft @KatCroft

Great read with lots to make you flip the page. So many people are saying different things, it really comes down to who you believe and who may be lying. The riddle doesn't get any easier to solve when it seems everyone had something to hide. I'm pleased to say that I figured out the who but not the why. Not that the author made it easy. Recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced reading copy.

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for The Irish House by @annolwriter @Bookouture

There was something faintly magical about Kilteelagh; it wormed its way into her thoughts and cloaked her in a warm feeling, when all she thought she wanted was a busy city with sirens and traffic – a very different, other life. ~ Excerpt from The Irish House

Marianne left the bustle of New York City for what she thought was a brief visit to Ireland. She went there after her grandmother's death and being summoned by her estate attorney. She didn't know what to expect but she never anticipated her aunt's hostility at her presence and she certainly never saw herself inheriting her grandmother's estate. But that's not all. Her grandmother had taken in her daughter's girls after the death of their mother. As part of the condition for inheriting, Marianne needs to take them on. She feels hardly equipped to so and with her aunt contesting the will, it would just be easier if Marianne turned around and headed back to the States. Only thing niggling at her conscience though is what her grandmother had wanted for her.

When, shortly after, her life in the city completely falls apart, Marianne figures she might as well give Ireland a real go. The conditions of the will also allow Marianne an out after a year.

What follows once Marianne decides to give it a go is a heartwarming journey of discovery and re-discovery. Though it isn't without its rocky patches. That miserable aunt is determined to make Marianne's life hell for choosing to stay. She starts to feel like a broken record given how many times she tells Marianne to go back to New York City. But will it always be that way? You'll need to read the book.

I greatly enjoyed reading the letters from her grandmother that she wrote when she was sick. All of these were addressed to Marianne, and it's like she reaching out from beyond the grave. It was nice to see Marianne adjust to her new role as an aunt turned mother. It was also touching to see her take control of her life. 

The ending is magical and serendipitous. I recommend this read if you just want to get swept away for awhile. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for The Paris Maid by @Ella_Carey @Bookouture

Graphic designed by Bookouture

Heart breaking, heart pounding and heart warming, this story packs an emotional punch! Tears fell at that ending. JUST WOW! It is clear the author was inspired and has a passion for this time in history. It wasn't all darkness either but highlighted the resilience of the human spirit. There was even an amazing twist that I never anticipated or saw coming.

Beautiful writing, sometimes quite poetic. I was pulled in from the first chapter. I can never claim to be a history buff but through this novel I was educated even about the macabre atrocities as the result of Nazi terror.

This book provided a unique take on a World War 2 novel too as its progression transports us from past to present when a young expectant mother wants to learn the truth about her grandmother. 

Buy on Amazon.

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for The Secret Sister by @LizTrenow

This was quite an enjoyable story and shows the power of love and raises the question: how far would we go to protect a loved one? Lizzie's twin brother is traumatized and affected firsthand by the war just months before his fourteenth birthday. That time had stayed with him and by the time of his eighteenth birthday, he can't contemplate being conscripted for the military. He is terrified of dying and killing and runs away. What follows is quite a fast-paced journey told from the alternating perspectives of brother and sister. 

In order to protect her brother from prison or death, she gets the idea to pretend she's her brother. She takes his place in helping the war efforts and ends up finding love in the most unlikely of places. 

The end of the book was touching and satisfying. I highly recommend this book for those who just want to get swept away. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for Irish Castle Murder by Penny Brooke

I enjoyed this cozy/light procedural. It moved along at a good pace and caught my attention from the start. The plot is led by Annabelle Shannon who is returning home to Ireland to visit her aging grandmother. The two share a close bond and Annabelle seriously considers uprooting her New York City fast-paced life in exchange for a more leisurely paced existence in a small village. But the people there aren't too accepting of strangers, and even though everyone knows and loves Annabelle's grandmother, they still look with suspicion on Annabelle. 

When the two of them are invited to spend the night at a fancy hotel that is soon to open, things don't turn out exactly as planned. One of the other VIP guests turns up dead the next morning. Local police initially dismiss it as an old man's health taking a bad turn, but Annabelle is skeptical from the start. She pokes her nose into things, making "friends" with the local police, but eventually they start to see that she can offer them some insight. After all, they don't see murder in the village, and Annabelle is hardened from her life in the city and her work as a lawyer. 

I recommend this book for those who are looking for an entertaining light read to devour in an afternoon. 

Buy from Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for The Cuban Daughter by @Soraya_Lane

Just wow. This was such an incredible, heart-rending, and yet enjoyable journey to take. I read this one in a day, barely able to put it down. It was told from the perspective of the present day and back in the 1950's. To the author's credit both were gripping and had me wanting to pick up the next segment of the story. I have read books where I have skimmed to get back to a particular person's point of view, but not with this one. 

It all starts with a mystery when Claudia is called to a lawyer's office. Not sure if this is some kind of scam or a legitimate request she still goes if nothing more than to satisfy her curiosity. When she ends up getting a box addressed to her late grandmother with mysterious contents, Claudia's curiosity is even more piqued. She becomes to determined to unravel not only her grandmother's heritage but also to piece together her own place in the world. This was a lovely, beautiful story that I highly recommend. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for Twisted Bond by Emma Hart

Noelle Bond is an acquired taste and made me think of a less clumsy and more foul-mouthed Stephanie Plum. This isn't the novel for you if you have sensitivities to swearing. With that said given Noelle's background I can see that it is likely realistic. She comes from family of cops and grew up with three brothers. If that's not enough to drive a girl crazy her grandmother is constantly trying to set her up and marry her off. 

What grandma doesn't know is Noelle spends a lot of the time trying to fight her attraction to a local detective. The tension is only made worst when two murders take place on Noelle's property and she ends up face to face with this detective on a daily basis. While she was first considered a suspect it soon becomes clear she might be the killer's next target. In that case, what's a private investigator to do? Well between trying to stay one step ahead of the killer, eat cupcakes of course!

I won't say anymore and risk spoiling the plot, but the author definitely had me flipping the pages.

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for Second Wives by @CareyBaldwin @Bookouture

This book makes me happy for my simple, uncomplicated life. Though I suppose most domestic thrillers do. Bridget and Charity married each other's husbands, yet still remained friends? Hard to believe and obviously not everything is as it seems. This was one twisty read with points of view alternating between the two women and an unknown third party that is presented in first person. 

The couples are part of Supper Club and the story takes off when Bridget is injured at one of these gatherings. From here it's a wicked mind game. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Book Review for Tempered Steel by @PJBennettAuthor

This is the second book I've read of Bennett's and like the first this one pulled me in from the beginning and transported me to a different place and time. The writing is so atmospheric and immersive it's more like watching a movie than reading a book. The cover really takes on more meaning as you read the book too.

In this prequel to the Power Ascending series we get the origin story of Charlaine and Ludwig. He is the son of a baron while she's the daughter of a humble smith. The difference in their stations spells inevitable doom to a romantic relationship despite their feelings for each other. Bennett takes a pause from battle scenes for this love story, but it's not without tension and political angst. The author certainly makes you feel the emotions of the characters. But this is all I'm going to say so I don't spoil the book. 

I read this after reading the first book in the series and found in doing so I probably got more out of it that I would have otherwise.

Buy on Amazon.  

~

*Read my review for Temple Knight by Paul Bennett, the first in the Power Ascending Series here.

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

Death on Deck by @BrightVerity @Bookouture, A Book Review

Graphic designed by Bookouture

Awesome! The pacing moved along at a fast clip and the dialogue was smart and witty. Right from the start it felt like I was being swept along and by Eleanor's side as she boarded the luxury cruise ship. 

The author did a great job of making all the characters distinct and memorable which can be a challenge when a bunch of names are given to the reader. The climax ṭo catching up with the killer made my heart pound! Come on and hurry up, Ellie! Lol 

The ending was one I never saw coming either so that made it an even better read too! Highly recommend. 

Buy on Amazon.

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

CLICK GRAPHIC FOR RETAIL LINKS

A Book Review: The Surgeon by @LWNovels, @Bookouture

Graphic designed by Bookouture

Excellent read and impossible to put down. I pretty much read this in one sitting... a long span but, oh, so enjoyable and twisty. Loved the depth of the characters and their motivations. Highly recommend this read. 

Buy on Amazon

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

Follow Carolyn Arnold on social media:

Facebook: Author Carolyn Arnold
Twitter: Carolyn_Arnold
Instagram: authorcarolynarnold

Carolyn's Most Recent Release

BUY NOW!

Book Review for Temple Knight (An Epic Fantasy) by @PJBennettAuthor

Just absolute WOW! I thought I'd give this novel a go even though I've never read a fantasy book in my life. But this one ticked off all the important boxes for what I look for in a book. Strong female leads and characters are a must. Well, we're talking about Sister Knights here. Yep, women who kick a**! It was hard to pick a favorite among them, but Paul certainly pulled me in right away with Charlaine. 

Another thing I need in a book is character growth and that existed for several of them. The plot held my interest and kept me turning the pages. The shark certainly wasn't dead in this book! (Sharks need to constantly move or they die.)

And there was action, boy, was there action! If I was a nailbiter, I'd have nubs. And while I can't say where or how this book rates in the genre (with nothing to compare it to) I will be reading more in the Power Ascending series including the introduction story, TEMPERED STEEL. A great book is a great book, and this one certainly qualifies. 

Buy on Amazon. 

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

Follow Carolyn Arnold on social media:

Facebook: Author Carolyn Arnold
Twitter: Carolyn_Arnold
Instagram: authorcarolynarnold

Carolyn's Most Recent Release

BUY NOW!

Book Review: The Holiday Home @dhurstbooks @Bookouture

Graphic designed by Bookouture

I gobbled this book up in one day. The story sucked me right in, and if felt like I was a part of things--well at the same time I was very happy not to be! What a messed up holiday weekend this turned out to be. I don't want to say too much and risk spoilers, but it definitely played with the mind and was near impossible to put down. Highly recommend. 

Buy on Amazon.

_____________________

Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

Follow Carolyn Arnold on social media:

Facebook: Author Carolyn Arnold
Twitter: Carolyn_Arnold
Instagram: authorcarolynarnold

Carolyn's Most Recent Release

BUY NOW!

A Killer's Daughter by @JennaKernan, a #BookReview

 

This book opens with a rather graphic murder scene, immediately setting the stage for a serial-killer thriller. From the first meeting of Nadine Finch, I could tell right away she was going to be a strong character. She has her secrets and loves her privacy and solitude--as it turns out for good reason. She's the daughter of a serial killer (not a spoiler; it's in the blurb and right in the title).

Nadine feels very real from her internal narrative to her obvious discomfort at her first autopsy. She's a criminal psychologist, which provides a unique perspective for the story.

And speaking of story, there was one exciting development after another, and there's a reveal about halfway through that will make your skin crawl as you try to figure out the meaning behind it. This book was excellently written and the author's turn of phrase is particulary poignant.

The final reveal of the killer's identity delivered an unpredicted twist, and the author set things up at the end in such a way you wonder what's next for Nadine Finch.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book for honest review. Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley.

Buy on Amazon Canada.

Lost Souls by @DrCJMerritt #BookReview

This was a good read that kept me intrigued. When I wasn't reading this book, I found myself thinking about it, which tells me the author did an incredible job of making the characters realistic and the plot, engaging.

The author inserts a lot of possibilities for the identity of the killer (red herrings) throughout the book, and I found myself curious who it would end up being.

I enjoyed the chapters from the killer's POV, and could feel his conflict, but also his bit of compulsion. Despite the media giving him the moniker of "Church Kid Killer," this killer does take out the children because he's some deranged lunatic set on violence. To him, he was a maker of angels. I found his thinking to be chilling, interesting, and refreshing.

This was my first book by this author, but I'd definitely read his work again. I received an advanced reading copy. Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for making this possible.

Buy on Amazon Canada.