We never really know who our parents were before we came along. We see them in one light forgetting they were young once.

The Diary is based on the true story of the author’s parents. A tale told at the beginning of the Korean War.

Elizabeth’s daughters find their mom’s diary from when she was coming of age. They are shocked to learn her mom had a love that wasn’t their dad. As they read through they question what they know and even some aspects of their own life.

I will always have a soft spot for books set around the Korean War, a war my dad fought in and would rarely talk about. He said he saw things that were better left in the past.

When the shocking revelation came I almost forgot to keep walking on the treadmill. That tells me that is a good book when you forgot what you were doing.

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This review may contain SPOILERS…

As Nola continues to work on her cottage and renovating other house in New Orleans she finds herself entangled more than ever with Beau. The boy now man who saved herself from a fire when they were in college. They both claim there are no feelings beyond friendship but the spirits and others disagree. Beau is still running from his mother’s spirit.

The house on Esplanade is filled with a deep dark secret that one spirit in particular is not wanting solved. It is a dangerous spirit and other spirits are sending warnings but neither Nola nor Beau are happy to listen.

This is book three in the series and we continue to follow the Jaxson, his fiancée, and Jolene love triangle. I do believe there is something big. Coming in the next book regarding this secondary storyline. Maybe some pitter patter of little feet.

Could you read this as a standalone? Yes. Should you? I say no. There is backstory and background that makes the book more interesting that you get from the other books. I haven’t read the Tradd Street series and I think I will while waiting for the next book in the series.

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This book blew me away with its beauty in how even at our lowest there is always love and hope.

Juliet is traveling through the South after a devastating loss during a freak accident. She is also trying to regain her memory. She find herself in Forget-Me-Not, Alabama after her car breaks down. While there she forges a friendship with Tallulah.

Tallulah and her two small daughters are living with her papaw after a divorce that was long coming. She works at the same library as her mamaw did a with her mamaw’s best friend. She loves her life but wants something more.

Juliet and Tallaluh work together to heal each other with the help of the residents in Forget-Me-Not.

While I am not the biggest fan of paranormal (it’s growing on me), I love magical realism. I find myself gobbling those books like no tomorrow. Heather Webber is one of the best there is in this genre. (Sarah Addison Allen is another good one). Heather knows how to draw you in immediately and before you know it you are a quarter of the way through the book.

If you are looking for the perfect book to escape this crazy world this is the book for you.

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I didn’t expect this book to resonate with me as much as it did. I’m not a hiker but I love to casually walk outside and watch and hear nature. Hearing the melodies of the birds with the wind rustling through trees touches my soul and centers me. Hiking did the same for Miriam. Through hiking she found herself.

My two favorite quotes are below:

“…I still had life in me. And not just life, but purpose. A story to write that wasn’t finished just because someone else’s was.”

“You know, people speak all kinds of things over our lives. Sometimes, they mean well, and sometimes, they’re just afraid. But their words don’t shape your future unless you let them…”

This is book one in the Amish Romance Birthday series. Twelve new books throughout the year by twelve different authors. If you have thought about reading the Amish genre this would be a great way to get your feet wet.

My first 5 star read of the year.

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While interesting I didn’t learn anything new. I like Catherine and have followed her through the years.

A few chapters were tedious. When someone’s royal name takes two lines I’m going to forget the beginning of their name.

There is a very small selection of photos but nothing outstanding. Since there was much detail to her wardrobe I wished the pictures had been included.

A nice read but not noteworthy in my opinion.

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A good short story to cleanse the pallet between romance reads.

As Talia is finding herself with no appeals on death row left she is rethinking what brought her to this point. She swears she is innocent but no one believes her. Is there any hope left?

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I have had this book on my kindle for more time than I want to admit. I have read a couple of BN books and am a member of her FB book group. The love members share for her back list made me crave to start the list. I really wanted to read a Christmas book but several members said to start with her Silver Springs series. I am happy I took that advice.

Cora (love the name) finds her way to Silver Springs, CA after learning of an open teaching position at a local boys ranch. What the owner, Aiyana, and her adopted grown son, Eli, don’t realize she is the daughter Aiyana gave up almost 30 years ago.

As Cora wrestles with how to tell Aiyana who she is she is falling in love with Eli. Eli has a past that has made falling in love a desire he never wanted until now.

This was a page turner that I didn’t want to put down. The twist was mind blowing and I’m still in shock. I will definitely be reading the second book soon.

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A short heart pounding read that makes you feel empathy for the bad guy.

Paige is a contract killer and runs into a speed bump when the target’s young daughter is at the residence. Paige knew what she should have done but didn’t. As Paige is given one more chance her ex-husband sends her a cryptic text. Now Paige is unsure what lies in her future.

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A sweet read that reminds us life moves forward after devastating events. 

Molly has moved on from being left at the altar by helping run a local Amish inn. When the owner has a medical emergency she asks her nephew, Aaron, to come help. 

Aaron has been raising his small daughter alone after the death of his wife. He views moving to help his aunt as a good change. He hopes to settle in and be left alone to run the inn and raise his daughter but his aunt has more she wants to accomplish. 

This is the 8th book in the Brides of Lost Creek. I had no issues reading as a standalone. 

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2025 Cozy Mystery Book Challenge and Alphabet Author Challenge

My last 2 to share from 2025. As you can see I didn’t complete any of my challenges and that is ok. It was fun while trying.

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