ireadloudnmynook's reviews
185 reviews

What Eyes Can't See by Paulette Stout

challenging emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book was REALLY well written. I loved reading the story of Barbara, and the note from the author in the beginning. The note was very thoughtful, as the author used the counsel of friends who would understand the life of a black woman in business from their perspective, and the author was very careful to share this from the start. Barbara is going through so many different changes in her life, and the author takes time to walk the reader through every trial! From a cheating fiance, to a canceled wedding, work woes, and all of this while being a black woman in a Caucasian male dominated industry. Not to mention the trials of meeting a new romantic partner while on vacation and returning to her own additional struggles with him. It's so much to deal with for her, or for anyone for that matter, that is almost hard to see how she can get out of it! Barbara will soon find out that the trials run deeper as the story continues. This book made me fall in love with the characters, and learn about their ability to face each challenge, and their failures. It was such a fun book to read! You won't be disappointed! I will definitely be reading more of the authors novels! 

Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott, Mavery Ellscott

fast-paced

5.0

This book was a really fun exhilarating read for me. I did not have a chance to read books one and two, however, this book did not cause me to read the other books to understand the storyline. Learning about Finlay and her role in this story as an investigator, while she worked with law enforcement was eye opening. The setting in Paris of human trafficking felt so real as the author depicts each scene, filling me with suspense for the next moment. One of the best things about a mystery is the amount of suspense in each moment or scene. This book had me on the edge of my toes and quickly sparked a vivid imagination for every scene in this Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by book. I really enjoyed reading it and I enjoy the authors writing style.

Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren

fast-paced

5.0

This book was so good to start this series! I was completely engaged while reading it! With every chapter I was excited to keep reading. I love that there is clear depth to each character but the author does a great job at keeping your attention, and keeping everything connected between all of the very complex characters. I literally didn't want to put the book down! I love when I read fantasy books but you can still really relate to their issues, even though the book is created in some far away place.  I was so full of empathy for the main character from the very start of the book.  I kept being excited to see what would happen next. She's such a strong woman naturally, so it was empowering to read such a story about a string woman learning how to face her circumstances head on. I highly recommend this one!

Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren

medium-paced

This book was so much fun to read. It was tough to see all that happened to Julia, including all the loss she had to suffer while uric to rebuild. This was a really great sequel to book one. The author crafts some very interesting stories and I'm looking forward to reading more stories from the author in the future.

Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram

fast-paced

5.0

This is one of my new favorite authors, and every new book she writes I'm first in line to read it!  I enjoy reading her suspenseful novels, and every new story is so much more refreshing than the last.  I read this book and my heart broke as Karina faced the death of her grandmother, and the task of taking over her restaurant.  The suspenseful events start right away and in a search to find out where this prized journal is located, so many other secrets arise. I would be surprised if one of this authors books doesn't end up in a movie, the writing is SO VIVID!  Thank you again for another masterpiece! 

Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates

5.0

I'm a true crime lover, and I listen to some pretty awesome podcasts about crime, that lead you down the path of mystery.  I was so excited to get deep into this book and read a work of fiction that is crime related.  Loved reading this book so much and I need to find the time to catch up on book's 1 and 2!  I originally forgot that this is a stand alone book! I was so easily able to follow the story and this is book number 3 which is quite amazing.  I love that i was able to get lost in the mystery, and though at times I wanted to solve it, I was STILL wrong! 

Saint Con by Seelie Kay

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I love a fantastic love story. There are times when I simply just listen to certain songs to feel certain feelings that don't exist in my life at the time... Until SaintCon! I fell in love with the description of this wonderful book and i was so ready to keep every page continuously turning! I can't wait to get more from this author. I'm usually not a romance novel fan but this book was magical and very inspiring! Happy reading!

The Mother's Threat by Susan Specht Oram

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

I love reading all of this author's thrillers!  Her style of writing, her method of the thrill in each novel, I can't explain it!  If I knew how to make every reader read her books I would!  I'm always telling all of my friends how great the story line always is!  I'm forever on the edge of my seat reading from this author!  Please don't hesitate pickup to read it today!  I'm just hoping I can catch an audio book of love of her masterpieces!

Leaving No Traces by P.J. Mann

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

From the moment you open this book...you are hooked!  At least I was!  This book was very original,  I love the setting and location of the book.  The author is very figurative in the book and I love it when I can read a book and see it in my head like a movie.  I won't give it away, but the book is worth reading every page!  When I first started reading it, I finished 43% of the book right away!  I couldn't put it down!  I loved all of the characters and I'm looking forward to hearing much more about Detective Scala!

Murder In a Gated Community by Laura Koerber

5.0

This book was one that I just simply could not put down!  From the note from the author on the first page I knew this would be an extremely entertaining book.  There were silly moments and moments that made me upset in this book and the author took the time to be able to produce a book in this manner!  I know one thing, I'm extremely happy my mom never had to live in a place like this!