Shadowed Witness Review

About the Book

Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs of her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.

Angela Carlisle once again presents cutting-edge romantic suspense laced with danger, deception, and justice. (Goodreads) 

Purchase here!!

My Thoughts

This story starts with a bang and captured my attention from the first page. This is my first book to read by this author and it did not disappoint! There is an interesting twist to this plot that has to do with the main character that I was not expecting. But the mystery side of it was pretty predictable, as the clues made things fairly obvious. BUT it was still fun to see how it all played out and I really enjoyed reading how Eric and Allye solved the mystery. Allye is a photographer and the author did a great job portraying that point of view. It added to the story and helped me visualize the setting in a better way. Overall I really enjoyed this story. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for free. I was not required to write a positive review." 

Books I Am Eager to Read That Are Releasing Later This Year

 Top Ten Tuesday! 

Today is all about books releasing the second part of this year (I can't even believe we can say that already!) What is time!? Anyway, here are just a few that I am excited to read. Thanks for stopping by! 

I am curious on this one. 

The first book in this series is superb! 

I really enjoyed Summerhaven by this author. 

This series. Read it. 

Auto buy author. I LOVE all of her books. I can't say that about every author. 

Excited for this suspense. 

I just love her books. 

New to me author. 

 A must read author. 

The author is hoping for a September release date! 

Whispers of Shadowbrook House

 

About the Book

In the crumbling Shadowbrook House, governess Pearl Ellicott and heir Oliver Waverly unravel a haunting mystery while confronting their growing forbidden love.

London, 1880

Pearl Ellicott dreams of falling in love and having a family of her own. Until then, she is content working as a governess for young Maxwell, tending to his education and fragile health. Together, they explore the mansion’s empty rooms and secret passageways in search of the haunting violin music that seems to come from nowhere.

Oliver Waverly is young and independent, with plans to sell the run-down mansion once he inherits. But his strained relationship with his reclusive uncle, Arthur Ravenscroft, complicates matters when Ravenscroft refuses to relinquish Shadowbrook House without explanation.

As they spend more time together, Oliver slowly becomes enchanted by Pearl’s wit and love for Maxwell, and Pearl finds herself irresistibly drawn to Oliver’s passion and resolve. However, the social gap between the heir and the governess makes pursuing a relationship difficult.

Oliver must decide whether to follow his heart or adhere to his family’s expectations, while Pearl grapples with her fear that if Shadowbrook House is sold, she will lose her job, her found family, and her chance for long-lasting love. Will the lovers part ways or choose to be together despite the odds? The answer lies within the walls of Shadowbrook House and the echoes of its haunting past. (Goodreads)

Order HERE.

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this gothic type story. The house itself, Shadowbrook, completely captivated me and I wanted to explore it myself. There are so many twists and turns, along with hidden door ways and mysteries, that my imagination ran wild. Pearl is a dear character who is steadfast and determined to protect those she loves. As a strong heroine, her exchanges with the sweetest little boy, Maxwell, make this story complete. Oliver I didn't come to fully love, and the romance side of things fell a little flat for me. There is also a medium that shows up in the plot that I was not a fan of reading. I don't think it was necessary and it took me out of the story a bit. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the overall plot and mystery gothic vibe. The ending took a small twist that I wasn't expecting and that is always a delight! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Quarter Labyrinth Review

About the Book

 EVERY FOUR YEARS, THE LABYRINTH AWAKENS. It shifts location, resets its deadly puzzles, and demands a new game. The rich pay for clues to find it and keys to get in, while the poor fight for entrance. This year, the first to reach the center wins control over the renowned trade vessels. Strange, because Ren specifically remembers her father—the captain—promised her those ships. But her father had the misfortune of going missing before revealing Ren as his hidden heir. And she’s never actually met him. Only through scraps of letters she keeps in a trunk, promising he’d return to the island for her someday.

There isn’t time for her father to explain. Ren has until sundown to find the labyrinth and get inside before its entrance is sealed.

Even if she makes it through the gate, she must race against others who are just as determined as she is—and far deadlier. Then there’s the Labyrinth Wolves. And the Stone Gods. And the son of her father’s enemy who takes a personal interest in Ren. She will fight for her birthright through wits, strength, and perhaps a bit of luck to be the one at the helm with her future begins.

May you find yourself in the labyrinth.

At least, may you not lose yourself.

A fast-paced young adult fantasy for fans of FABLE. (Goodreads) 

Pre-Order HERE. 

My Thoughts

Finding clean fantasy novels can be a challenge and McCombs has made me want to read fantasy again! Wow! This story blew me away! Not only did it keep me up late, it left me on a cliffhanger that has me really NEEDING to read book two (which releases later this year)! This is my all time favorite by this author! 

 From my perspective, it has a Hunger Games and Fable vibe but its own unique plot that makes it all the better. I really like the mythical history that was added on how the Labyrinth and Stone gods came to be. Having tidbits of the past brought in to explain the present added layers I wasn't expecting. There are so many twists and turns and while there is a romantic plot line, get ready for surprises! This is not a predictable story and because of that I was thrilled with each chapter. This is one of the best fantasy novels I have read for awhile. 

If you enjoy fantasy fiction, I highly recommend this story!

Five Stars!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review."

My Summer To-Read List

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about summer reading! I have a few books I am looking forward to that are releasing, along with a couple of classics, and older books. 

 

Bookish Wishes

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about bookish wish lists! 

I am sure there are many lists that include our to-read titles and those we maybe have read but want to own. These are all mostly books that I haven't read yet! This is just for fun and this is my official wish list. Maybe you will find a new title you want to read yourself! 

Happy Tuesday! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Wormwood Abbey Review

About the Book

 As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Wormwood Abbey isn't just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family's legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap...and some of them have teeth.

WORMWOOD ABBEY, Book 1 of The Secrets of Ormdale, is a cosy gothic novel of mystery, dragons, and the perils of friendship, perfect for fans of EMILY WILDE'S ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF FAERIES and Maria Grace. (GOODREADS)

Buy HERE!

Learn more about the author.

My Thoughts 

This book is an absolute delight! Set in Yorkshire with a whipsmart heroine, well written secondary characters, and..dragons?! Everything from the setting to the family dynamic made this story one of my favorites of the year. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

Five stars!!!

Every Hour Until Then

 About the Book

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history's most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she'll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance--threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts

Meyer has written another stunning novel. The history, romance, and mystery blend together in a way you least expect. The best part? The characters realizing that God is always in control even when Jack the Ripper looms in the shadows and war is on the brink of starting. Oh my goodness what a story!

Five Stars. 

Animal Companions in the Stories We Read

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about animal companions in the stories we love. Here are a few that I came up with. 

Jack the dog. A classic story. 

This book has lots of fun animals in it!

This book features a park ranger with her dog. Her trusty companion! 

Charlie and his lions. One of the best books ever. 

Franc-the mini poodle. One smart dog!

Stella and her love for her horses. 

There is a charming frog that adds so much to this story. 

The bees of course. :) 

The baby elephant. Love this book. 

Another classic which includes Snowball the cat. 

Fathoms Review + Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fathoms (Oceans of Time Book Three)

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Adult Historical Portal Fantasy

Release date: April 22, 2025

Can the She-Wolves of Siena survive the lion’s den?

Luciana Betarrini is living a nightmare. Blinded in battle, she is unsure what her future holds.

When Lady Tiliani Forelli volunteers to serve as the young Lady Romano’s governess—in order to protect the child—Luciana quickly follows suit, volunteering as a tutor. But as they navigate life in the

treacherous neighboring castello, they find Lord Ercole a chameleon of adversaries, intent on mastering the She-Wolves of Siena any way he can.

Together, Luciana and Tiliani must find a way to bring Ercole down and buy time for Domenico and Marcello to establish new allies. But Luciana continues to find herself at a crossroads: Is she willing to risk leaving Sir Giulio Greco forever in order to chase healing through the time tunnel?

Or is she called to accept her plight—in light of the myriad blessings of her new medieval life—and make her way through the best she can?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children.

 

 

 

 

More from Lisa

I love to read and write books about “found families.” People that are brought together by a shared cause, purpose or passion. More and more, our world seems divisive, so I suppose it’s my small effort to plant a flag in the sand and state, “Look, I know we’re all different, but we can all decide to love first.”

The Forellis created that sort of found family in River of Time for the Betarrinis, especially as Gabi and Lia were mourning their dad. And in Oceans, they again make way for my twin hero and heroine, who are in many ways orphaned. I strive to make room in my life for those around me who are a bit adrift, missing a family “anchor.” Tim and I love to host dinners and make feel people welcome in our home with good meals and good conversations around a fire.

Of course, in medieval Italy, the family is striving to survive when many want to see them die. When it’s “us against them” to the death, that’ll cement a bond. But even in today’s society, I think we have enough against those of us who stand for Christ, family and traditional values, that perhaps we can link arms with one another and grow stronger for the bond. And my hope in doing so, is that we will not distance “the other side,” but rather draw them to us with a winsome, welcoming and loving spirit—seeking places we can bond and celebrate one another, even though we differ.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 20

Sylvan Reads, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Guild Master, May 23 (Spotlight)

Romances of the Cross, May 23

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Fiction Book Lover, May 25 (Spotlight)

To Everything There Is A Season, May 25

Lily’s Corner, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

My Thoughts

This is the third book in this trilogy and I wasn't sure where Bergren was going to take us. My goodness this has been an action packed and full trilogy-you simply can't put these books down! Fathoms picks up right where the last book left off. You have to read these books in order otherwise you will probably be pretty confused. Luciana and Tilani both have drastic things happen that I was totally not expecting in this story. The romance is well written and there is a lot of things added that make it sweet and simple in this book. Lord Ercole is truly a terrible bad guy and it was shown all the more within this story. I was disgusted by some of his intentions but it did add to the story. 

Overall this is non stop action and the author does an excellent job wrapping up all of the threads from the first two books. If you like time travel, clean romance, lots of action, and a fun family dynamic you will enjoy this book! 

I very much enjoyed this novel and I look forward to what the author writes next! 

Four Stars. 

'I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. "