The Deserter by Nelson DeMille

The Deserter by Nelson DeMille

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Nelson DeMille at his finest. A sure bet to be a bestseller. This book did not disappoint. Although it was written with his son, Alex, one would have thought that one could tell that there was a difference, but this story is written in the same manner as all the others. Entertaining, mysterious, and fast-paced. One can imagine that while this is a novel, the plot could be non-fictional. I have read all of DeMille's books and this one is one of my favorites. If you haven't read DeMille before, start with this book. I think that once finished with this story, pick up any other, especially "The Charm School" and Nelson DeMille will become a favorite author.



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Wired Truth by Toby Neal

Wired Truth by Toby Neal

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This series of Paradise Crime Thrillers by Toby Neal is fast paced, well thought out, and the characters are real. Sophie has been one of my favorite characters since she appeared in the Lei Crime Series. Ms. Neal has made her an enigma. When you think you have figured Sophie out, things happen and life for her goes crazy. One has to read the whole series . I personally want more and I don't want to wait for the next installment. I can imagine what will happen next, but I bet I am wrong. That is what makes this book and series so interesting and entertaining.



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Home For Wounded Hearts

Home for Wounded Hearts by Ashley Farley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ashley Farley has created PERFECTION in a spin-off of her series, The Sweeney Sisters. It can be read as part of the series or as a stand-a-lone. There is romance in the continuing marriage of Mike and Faith, compassion, mystery, and love between friends. It has an excellent plot with well-developed characters. The characters' personalities are real, not the figment of an author's imagination. The only thing wrong with it is one does not want to think I can start this before I sleep, because at 4 a..m when you finish the book, you'll realize the time. While you are reading, you are engaged in the story and won't even think about putting it down. I highly recommend this story, plus all the others Ms. Farley has written.



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The First Noel at the Villa des Violettes

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes by Patricia Sands

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow! Patricia Sands has developed her characters, Kat, Phillipe, and Simone to the next level. They are delightful and so alive. This is not just a Christmas novella. It has a fantastic plot filled with intrigue, romance, well-developed, friendships, kindness and a general good read. Even the pups are enjoyable. The setting is described to the point that the reader feels like they are travelling in France in reality. When shopping in the markets, one can feel the excitement and hear the noise. I suggest that everyone read this and become a die-hard fan of Ms. Sands.



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A Year of Extraordinary Moments

A Year of Extraordinary Moments by Bette Lee Crosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the sequel to The Summer of New Beginnings. It is just as great as the first in the series. The plot is well written and although it is done in several voices, one does not get lost. A feel good story in the end. The characters are believable and one falls in love with them. There is mystery and surprises. I highly recommend it.



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Previously Loved Treasures

Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is an excellent story about family, especially how people that aren't related by blood become family. The plot has mystery, romance of sorts, and crime. It is written in different voices, but is easy to follow. There is a uniqueness to the novel with a touch of the paranormal. Well written as usual. This is Bette Lee Crosby's voice at her finest.



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The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands

The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is amazing. It is delightful, funny, heartwarming, and the plot is unusual. Where does this author get her imagination? It is unlike any other. There is a mysterious end to the novel that I have never seen in all my years of reading. Everyone should read. It is Woman's fiction at it's best.



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Saturdays at Sweeney's by Ashley Farley

Saturdays at Sweeney's by Ashley Farley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Having pre-ordered Saturdays st Sweeney's, I thought I would read it as soon as I received it. I didn't cause I was bummed about it being the last of the series. After reading it, I realized that the author chose the perfect place to end the chapter on the Sweeney sisters. It couldn't have ended any better and all the mysteries were tied up neatly. There were new dilemmas so it wasn't the same old, same old, but lots of familiar faces that I came to love. Each of the sisters faced separate tragedies and one that would affect the entire family right down to little Bitsy. Excellent plot. It grabs you and won't let you go until the last sentence. The characters are real. The locations perfectly described. I would like to live in Prospect. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.



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Liars Like Us by Mary Campisi

Liars Like Us by Mary Campisi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of the best Mary Campisi's novels in my estimation. There is a bit of mystery and a whole lot of romance within the pages. While I wasn't too keen on the first book in this series, I loved this one. Charlotte and Tate are well developed characters with a realism that one appreciates from this author The plot is exciting and new. I found myself not being able to put it down until I finished it. I didn't even mind the fact that there are a couple of cliffhangers because the main story is neatly wrapped up. Oliver and Jennifer's relationship is one of the cliffhangers and who is the mystery father of the child. I think I know, but cannot be certain. This is a must read for all fans of Mary Campisi. "I voluntarily reviewed this ARC in exchange for an honest review."



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Check out the Lei Crime Series by Toby Neal

Lately I have been reading more.  Must be the new glasses.  Lei Crime Series is by far an interesting mystery with just about the right amount of romance thrown in.  I like the fact that you could pick up one of the books in the series and actually read it without getting lost.  Each of these books stand alone in a sense, but one should start at the beginning to see how Lei's personal life unfolds.  Kathy Beber lent me the first four books. Thank you very much, Sis.  I am trying to get the 5th book at Booklending.com, but so far I haven't had any luck.  Buying books on a fixed income is sometimes impossible.  For some unfathomable reason, the library doesn't buy her books.  I tried to tell them that their patrons would enjoy them. I will keep working on this. It helps sometimes to have a daughter that is a librarian.

Here are some excerpts from the private messages I have sent Toby Neal as I have finished each of the first four: (excluding her replies for privacy reasons)

Just read Blood Orchids. Fascinating read. Couldn't guess the killer until Lei killed him. Ray was predictable, but only after he quit showing up at class. Thanks for the diversion from everyday life.

Do your other readers get their days and nights mixed up from reading your books? Waiting for my friend to lend me Book 4. Can't wait. It is fun getting to know Hawaii from your books. Glad you offed those two evil ones in Black Jasmine and had to laugh at the situation they got themselves into believing they actually knew each other from their phone sex conversations. I am sorry though that there is actually an unsolved murder on the island. Makes one sad that such a beautiful paradise also has evil. Thanks again for the diversion.

Posted on my Facebook page: Just finished Book 4 in the Lei Crime series, "Broken Ferns" by Toby Neal. It did not disappoint. I did leave me wanting more. The author has a real handle on reality from both Lei and the criminal's point of view. The acknowledgement at the end of the book outlined how the author added more details about the "evil-doer" and that she had to rewrite the character several times because there was too much information included. I, myself, would like to see a book based on the criminal's life and the redemption of said life. I think it would be fascinating to explore that aspect of this particular character.

So if you are looking for a good read, check out this series.