Saturday, January 4, 2025

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall Book Review

About the Book:


All the Water in the World is told in the voice of a girl gifted with a deep feeling for water. In the years after the glaciers melt, Nonie, her older sister and her parents and their researcher friends have stayed behind in an almost deserted New York City, creating a settlement on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History. The rule: Take from the exhibits only in dire need. They hunt and grow their food in Central Park as they work to save the collections of human history and science. When a superstorm breaches the city’s flood walls, Nonie and her family must escape north on the Hudson. They carry with them a book that holds their records of the lost collections. Racing on the swollen river towards what may be safety, they encounter communities that have adapted in very different and sometimes frightening ways to the new reality. But they are determined to find a way to make a new world that honors all they've saved.

Inspired by the stories of the curators in Iraq and Leningrad who worked to protect their collections from war, All the Water in the World is both a meditation on what we save from collapse and an adventure story—with danger, storms, and a fight for survival. In the spirit of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Parable of the Sower, this wild journey offers the hope that what matters most – love and work, community and knowledge – will survive.

My Review:

I enjoyed this refreshingly different dystopian novel. Rather than earth destroyed by war or heat or an EMP, extreme storms are the cause here. Besides the usual theme of survival, there is also the issue of saving knowledge for future generations. Nonie and her family try to preserve items in the museum. I like that additional emphasis.

The survival venture is good with lots of action and suspense. That aspect of the novel is somewhat typical, with some helping travelers while others will not share. Also somewhat typical is the attempt by an individual to establish a new community. Caffal makes reference to “lost” people, those who have forgotten that being human is to care for other humans.

The structure of the plot is good. I like the events Nonie remembered, flashbacks in a sense, helping us understand how the family came to be where they are. They also add a personal side to the survival story.

This is a good debut effort. Caffal's writing style is good and I'll be watching to see what her next novel will be about.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Eiren Caffall is a writer and musician whose work has appeared in Guernica, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Al Jazeera, The Rumpus, and on three record albums. She is the recipient of a Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant and a Social Justice News Nexus fellowship at Northwestern University, among other awards. The author of a memoir, The Mourner’s Bestiary (2024), she lives in Chicago with her family. All the Water in the World is her first novel. Photo credit: Jacob Hand.

St. Martin's Press, 304 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Book Review

About the Book:

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—
Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, 
The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times Bestselling Author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made 
The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you'll realize how much energy and time you've been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion 
The Let Them Theory every step of the way.

Learn how to:

  • Stop wasting energy on things you can't control
  • Stop comparing yourself to other people
  • Break free from fear and self-doubt
  • Release the grip of people's expectations
  • Build the best friendships of your life
  • Create the love you deserve
  • Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence
  • Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions
  • Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment

...and so much more.

The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power. Whether you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.

My Review:

Mel Robbins nailed it again. We certainly feel safe and comfortable when we are in control. But we cannot control other people. We can only control ourselves. I had no idea how much stress in my own life originated from my attitude toward other people.

Quit making other people the problem, Robbins says. Let them be. They are revealing their character to you. She has compiled information from a number of scientific and psychological sources. Robbins covers potential problems. She tells lots of her own stories too.

She does not leave us helpless, however, and includes how we can inspire and influence others. While the desire to change must be their own, we can provide support and the right atmosphere for them.

I learned much from this book, including why we don't want to change and what really motivates us. It is a good book for better understanding the dynamics of personal relationships and how to be less stressful in them.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Mel Robbins is the creator and host of the award-winning The Mel Robbins Podcast, one of the most successful podcasts in the world, and a #1 New York Times best-selling author. She has amassed 21 million followers online and is considered the most sought after expert in life improvement, mindset, and behavior change. The Wall Street Journal calls her a “billion view podcaster” and TIME Magazine says she gives millions of listeners around the globe “a reason to believe in themselves.”

Her books have been translated into 50 languages and include the #1 New York Times bestselling The Let Them Theory, which Oprah called a “life-changer” and Oprah Daily named as one of the best books of 2025. She is also the author of the multimillion-copy-selling The 5 Second Rule, The High 5 Habit, and seven #1 audiobook releases on Audible.

Robbins is a self-publishing maverick and entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of innovation and disruption in the publishing industry and sits on the board of Amplify Publishing. USA Today calls her “a force to be reckoned with.” 143 Studios Inc., her female-led media company, produces provocative and award-winning content with unprecedented results: millions of books sold, billions of video views, and original courses and professional development education for clients like Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, JP Morgan Chase, LinkedIn, Spotify, Headspace, and Audible.

Notable accolades for Robbins include being a Forbes 50 Over 50 Honoree 2023; Apple Podcast Top Shared and Followed Shows of 2024 and 2023; Spotify Top Global Shows of 2024; USA Today Top 5 Mindset & Performance Coaches in the World, 2023; one of the fifty most influential influencers on
The Hollywood Reporter’s Creator A-List in 2024; The Mel Robbins Podcast has won some of the most prestigious awards given to podcasts, including Webby and Signal Awards, and more.

You can find out more and listen to her podcast at https://www.melrobbins.com/.

Hay House LLC, 336 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Friday, January 3, 2025

Lethal Wilderness Trap by Susan Furlong Blog Tour Book Review

 

LETHAL WILDERNESS TRAP

by Susan Furlong

December 30, 2024 - January 31, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Trust means everything...
when danger hits too close to home.

Hunting a never-caught killer, Special Agent Nolan Shea learns of a new victim. But the body on Ava Burke's land puts her and her young daughter, Rose, in someone's lethal sights. With a trail of shocking clues pointing to her family's involvement, Ava starts to question everything she holds dear and is soon desperate to uncover the truth with Nolan. Step after step, they confront their fears. But will finally cornering a murderer out in the wilderness become a trap they can't escape?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review:

Furlong gives readers a good inspirational romantic suspense. The book opens with a body discovered and Rose, Ava's daughter, may have seen the murderer. The suspense heightens when it becomes evident Rose may be in danger. There are a number of suspects to the murder and all else that is going on so there are twists when new information is uncovered. The major characters were good but my favorite character was actually the dog Creed, comfort to Rose and a hero in the end.

The romance between Ava and Nolan is subtle at first. He waited almost until the investigation was over to kiss her. I do like it better when the romance holds off until the case is actually closed and there is no more conflict of interest. Both of them have hurts from the past they need to overcome and there are some misunderstandings creating obstacles to the romance. The faith element is present but subtle. Potential readers should know the plot involves human trafficking.

I enjoyed this novel of suspense. Furlong's writing style is good and kept me reading to see what would be happening. The novel is a good addition to this genre.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Book Details:

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Published by: Harlequin
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781335980427 (ISBN10: 1335980423)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Harlequin

Author Bio:

Susan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.

Catch Up With Susan Furlong:
www.SusanFurlong.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Instagram - @susanfurlong
Threads - @susanfurlong
Facebook - @SusanFurlongAuthor
Susan Furlong's Amazon Author Page

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!


Note: this is a private list. Only the list owner can enter links.

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

JOIN IN ON THE GIVEAWAY:

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I received a complimentary copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Death in the Hills by Kate Wells Book Review

About the Book:


This is no peaceful walk in the countryside…

When Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri join a local walking group, their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills takes a grim turn. Arguments abound, and the hike ends in tragedy when one of the walkers is found dead in her car.

Initially ruled as an accident, Jude's instincts tell her there’s more to the story.

As Jude and Binnie dig deeper, they uncover tensions and secrets within the group. From hidden affairs to longstanding rivalries, it becomes clear this death was no accident.

With each revelation, the danger grows. Can Jude and Binnie unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again?

My Review:

This is an entertaining cozy mystery involving rambling through the countryside. I liked learning a bit about how farm lands are open to those walking through on established trails. While private property is respected, historical walking paths are available. Jude is a capable amateur sleuth, investigating by talking to people and sneaking into residences to find evidence. The plot has a consistent pace, suitable for a cozy mystery set in the British farmlands. There is a good bit of suspense near the end. The setting of farmlands is good and feels relaxing. I really like the good descriptions of the rambling locations.

This is a nice cozy mystery, especially if you like dogs and sheep and good descriptions of the countryside.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Kate grew up in Malvern on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border and still spends much of her time there. It is her heart's home and the muse for a lot of her writing.

She began her adult life training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital and then moved to Reading where she took a teaching degree.

When she took a break to have her two daughters she began creating stories and hasn't stopped writing since!

Having spent time living and working on farms she developed a love of the rural life and often dreamt of running a sheep farm, especially when she married the son of a farmer. It wasn't to be though, so instead, she lives out her farming dreams through researching and writing her books.

These days she's often found in a field talking to the sheep, or out on the Malvern Hills walking her border collie cross.

Boldwood Books, 350 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Testament: 30 Days of Remembrance by Darlene Zschech Book Review

About the Book:


This immersive journey into worship and reflection pairs daily devotions from Darlene Zschech with her iconic songs, offering a powerful combination of Scripture, music, and personal insights to deepen your faith.
 
Song and Scripture come together in this beautiful interweaving of worship, faith, and spiritual growth. 
Testament is a unique devotional experience that provides:
 
  • Thirty devotions that expand on themes in Darlene’s songs such as “Shout to the Lord,” “In Jesus’ Name,” and “Here I Am, Send Me”
  • Biblical insights into why God calls us to worship individually and communally
  • Daily spiritual nourishment and application through stories and reflections from Darlene
  • QR codes that lead to a multi-sensory devotional time incorporating Darlene’s songs and additional content
 
With her years of experience and passion for worship, Darlene brings a rich perspective to every devotion in 
Testament as she connects the messages of her songs with the truths of Scripture.

My Review:

This is a great collection of devotions. Most of them revolve around songs Zschech had a part in writing, either by herself or with others. The devotions may include personal stories behind the songs or her feelings on recently recording a new version of the song. She has included other songs that are particularly meaningful to her, such as “There is a Redeemer” by Melody Green. Some of the devotions include questions for personal reflection.

Her devotions are full of insights. She tells readers that God does not give us to to-do list. He creates a to-be list. (70) She has a very good devotion on lament and grieving. My favorite was from day 7, on giving God glory alone. The song inspiring that devotion is “Soli Deo Gloria.” You can listen to Zschech's recording here. Each devotion has a QR code so you can listen to every song in this devotional collection.

I really like this collection of devotions. It is a testament to Zschech's desire to live in response to God's love and His unwavering faithfulness. I highly recommend it. The book releases later in February 2025 but you can preview the songs here

My rating: 5/5 stars.


About the Author:


Internationally acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Darlene Zschech, author of several books including The Golden Thread and Revealing Jesus, has penned many iconic worship anthems, such as “Shout to the Lord.” With over 30 million albums sold, Darlene is a multiple Dove Award nominee whose songs are sung each week by more than 30 million people in churches globally. Darlene and her husband, Mark, pastor Hope Unlimited Church in New South Wales, Australia. She is also a devoted mother and grandmother.

David C Cook, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Monday, December 30, 2024

Battle of Lion Rock by D J Williams Book Review

About the Book:


Ladened with guilt over the innocent lives lost in the war, Jack Reynolds is more determined than ever to honor his sister’s promise. He must fulfill a quest to unite supernatural artifacts missing for centuries and hunted by the Cherub, followers of Elyon, and the Merikh, an evil group seeking world domination. With Eden’s Star as their guide, Jack and Emma journey from this world into other realms to uncover ancient secrets buried in a legendary battle. What they discover could alter the course of history.

Back at Beacon Hill, tensions are rising among the Cherub. Friendships and alliances are tested as great loss divides the followers of Elyon. While the thief of Dragon Soul seeks greater power, a dark force from centuries ago has awakened in a realm untouchable since the Mercy Covenant. Revenge rooted in the past collides with the present, forcing Jack to fight against his greatest fear as a legendary warrior’s unrelenting power threatens the destruction of everything and everyone he loves.

Battle of Lion Rock is the third novel in the Beacon Hill series, an epic young adult supernatural fantasy that launches you on an action-packed quest for ancient artifacts, secret realms, and true allies. This book is for readers who love fantasy, incredible world building, adventure, found family, loyal friendships, a taste of romance, and the ultimate gift: forgiveness.

My Review:

This is the third in a series but the action in this novel is very similar to that in the earlier ones. In that sense, the plot is repetitive so I think it could be read and appreciated without having read the first two. If each volume had had distinct adventures this would not be the case.

My interest in this series began to really wane with this book. There are just so many characters, so many realms, so many enemies, so many similar adventures. It was hard for this septuagenarian to keep them all straight. The plot in this novel seemed a bit unfocused to me. The action bounced around to many different realms and situations. Sometimes the characters struggle to get where they were going while at other times immediately jumped to the new location. New dangers arose each time. There is much explanation as a new truth is uncovered or a new character enters the action. I read adventure after adventure without seeming to get closer to the prize, so to speak. I did not feel the spiritual allegory was clear until near the end.

Lovers of fantasy will appreciate all the unusual attack animals and fight scenes with powerful weapons and good descriptions. This is a series for readers who are ready to invest a great deal of time in this series as it ends up at just under 1,500 pages.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: Hunt for Eden's Star and Secrets of the Highlands.


About the Author:

D. J. Williams was born and raised in Hong Kong, igniting an adventurous spirit as he ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa, and the ancient cities of the Far East. His global travels submerged him in a myriad of cultures, providing a unique perspective that fuels his creativity. Providing a fresh voice in mystery and suspense, his novels have climbed the charts on Amazon Hot New Releases and his latest book, The Auctioneer, received a stellar review from Kirkus Reviews. Williams has also been an executive producer and director on over 500 episodes of broadcast television.


Tyndale House Publishers, 512 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Saturday, December 28, 2024

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh Book Review

About the Book:


Morwenna Mutton should be living the quiet life of a librarian and grandmother in Cornwall’s beautiful Seal Bay – if only dead bodies would stop turning up…

After the excitement of her last investigation, amateur sleuth Morwenna is looking forward to things getting back to normal. When local DJ Irina asks to meet however, desperate to share information she has discovered regarding nefarious goings-on, Morwenna can’t resist.

But Irina never arrives for their drink – instead her body is washed up on the beach, an apparent victim of an accidental drowning. At once keen wild bather Morwenna knows something is amiss as Irina was a strong swimmer who knew the local conditions well. What had Irina uncovered and who would want her dead?

When the local news dubs Irina’s murderer The Cream Tea Killer in honor of Cornwall’s famous delicacy, the clock starts ticking. Now the murderer knows Morwenna is on their trail, no one in her family is safe. She must get to the truth before the killer gets to her…

My Review:

I enjoyed this cozy mystery with an older woman amateur sleuth. It is the third in a series but the first I have read. While there are some references to previous adventures, I feel it reads well on its own. The setting of a coastal fishing village is done well. Characters are developed well. I like amateur sleuth Morwenna, one of the Sunday morning swim group, braving the cold ocean water. And she thinks chamomile tea smells like cat pee. Her granddaughter, Elowen, is something else. Six going on fifteen, she says what she thinks, often to the dismay of adults in the room. The plot is good. There is a twist at the end, just when I thought everything had been settled. What fun.

This is a good cozy mystery that will release January 4.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


I'm Judy Leigh. I've lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently I live in Somerset. After teaching theatre, writing lyrics for a punk band and setting up Shakespeare Festivals, I completed an MA in Professional Writing. Since then, I have been writing novels and having the time of my life doing it.
When I'm not writing, I'm often on the beach or on the moors, walking, doing yoga or travelling in the camper van. I'm a Reiki healer, a vegan, an interpreter of dreams and an animal lover. I have two black cats and I enjoy sunshine, conversation, laughter, travelling, live music, theatre and football.

Boldwood Books, 310 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Friday, December 27, 2024

Finlay Donovan Knocks Em Dead by Elle Cosimano Book Review

About the Book:


Finlay Donovan is―once again―struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she has her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish.

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Steven may be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like.

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it...

My Review:

This second novel featuring Finlay has a totally different plot focus than the first. Rather than being hired to assassinate someone, she is trying to keep her ex-husband from being assassinated. She and her sidekick Vero have the same kinds of adventures, getting into dangerous situations trying to do good. Finlay juggles her relationships with two fellows, similar to another popular humorous series. There is some humor included.

The plot takes a while to get going but then there is consistent action. Finlay had previously grazed a confrontation with the mob and this time she gets in a little deeper. Now she not only has to figure out how to write her next novel and raise her kids, she also has to prevent the mob boss from running her life. We readers are left hanging at the end of this novel so we will she how Finlay fares in the next one.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:


Elle Cosimano is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, an International Thriller Writers Award winner, and an Edgar Award nominee. Elle’s debut novel for adults, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, kicked off a witty, fast-paced contemporary mystery series, which was a People magazine pick and was named one of New York Public Library's Best Books of 2021. The third book in the series, Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun, was an instant New York Times bestseller. In addition to writing novels for teens and adults, her essays have appeared in HuffPost and Time. Cosimano lives with her husband and two sons in Virginia. Photo credit: Holly Virginia Photography

Minotaur Books, 384 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)