Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Available April 7, 2020

Conjure Women is a dark and beautifully written story about the power of women in a dark time in history. Set in the American South, Conjure Women spans generations to tell the history of three women living on the same plantation. May Belle, a powerful healing woman with the power to conjure curses has taught her daughter Rue the secrets of their position. When Rue's friendship with the master's daughter Varian threatens her safety, May Belle does what she can to protect her daughter. Those actions will change the women's lives forever.

This is a haunting story of family and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love. Told in alternating points of view, the story unfolds slowly to reveal an intricately laid plan of revenge, hope, and fierce loyalty. The writing is incredibly beautiful and compelling, insisting the reader digests each word before moving on to the next. Atakora paints a vivid picture of village life and the complexities of the healer's place in society. Both feared and revered, May Belle and Rue both in their times, do their very best to keep the villagers safe and calm during the most trying times. When the villagers turned on Rue, I was so invested in her safety and well-being that I couldn't put the book down. I had to know how her story ended and learn the secrets of her tumultuous relationship with her mother.

Richly written, Conjure Women is a compelling story of family, loyalty, and closely held secrets. Best part, this Afia Atakora's first novel. I look forward to seeing more from this amazing author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.  All opinions and mistakes are my own.

If you would like a copy of Conjure Women for yourself, and help support the site, you can do so here:

More like Conjure Women:

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Available Now

This book was the perfect comfort read during the shelter-in-place order issued by our governor.  I was looking for something that guaranteed a happily ever after with lots of fun and snark, and this book delivered on all points.

After a near death experience, Chloe Brown decides her safe and decidedly dull life needs some excitement. Creating a list of experiences that are sure to make her future eulogy far more interesting, Chloe is determined to check each box on the list-as soon as she feels up to it.  Struggling with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, Chloe spends much of her time managing her pain level and symptoms. When her seemingly prickly, but incredible handsome building superintendent Red finds her in a tree helping a scared kitten, the two set out on an unlikely friendship. Trading business consulting for help completing her list, Red and Chloe discover there is no way their relationship can remain strictly professional. Falling in love with a passionate artist wasn't on Chloe's list, but sometimes exceptions just have to be made.

This book is so good! This is one of those books that is equal parts light-hearted and emotional growth. Talia Hibbert does an excellent job at balancing out the hurt and trauma from horrible past relationships and the need and desire to be happy and live a full life.  The dialogue between Chloe and Red was perfect, and one of my favorite parts is the email exchange between the two discussing Red's website. Red has only ever seen Chloe at her less than best so to watch him draw out the fun and sassy side of her was incredibly entertaining. I also found everything so relatable-nothing was ever over the top or felt unnecessary. The story moves quickly with lots of insight into Chloe's daily life. I really loved how much care Hibbert took in describing the different ways that Chloe has had to adapt to her ever changing body and it's unpredictable aches and pains. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain for over six years, I understand how hard it is to balance out being clear minded but in pain, or being pain free but feeling high as a kite. It's hard to make a good impression on anyone when you're constantly exhausted and hurting. Red was so accepting of Chloe's needs and was just the most perfect, handsome, sexy artist.

Insert deep sigh here.

It's just a perfect book. That's it, that's the review. It's perfect. Get it, read it, tell me what you think of it.

I'm using this time of staying at home to balance out  my bookshelves.  I'm slowly working my way through my unread Book of the Month shelf and enjoying every minute of it.  Get a Life, Chloe Brown was my November 2019 pick and again, why did I wait to read it??? If you're interested in starting up a Book of the  Month membership, you can help us both out by using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/5f24d9c326b8?show_box=true

If you'd like a copy for yourself, and help support the site, you can grab one here:

More from Talia Hibbert:

More like Get a Life, Chloe Brown:

As always, purchasing through the links helps support the site as I am a member of the Amazon Associate Program.

New Releases for Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Happy Tuesday!

It’s New Book Day! My favorite day of the week. Here is a collection of books that I have either ordered for the Library, for myself, or think you will be excited about. Click on the covers for more information about the title and as always, purchasing through the links helps support the site as I am a part of the Amazon Associate Program.

For the Kids:

For the Adults:

New Releases for Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Happy Tuesday!

It’s another new week filled with great new releases. Here is a collection of titles that I have either ordered for the Library, put on hold for myself, or am just plain excited about. Click on a cover for more information about that title.

For the Adults in the room:

For the Kids:

Purchasing through the links helps support the site as I am a member of the Amazon Associate Program.

February 2020 Round-up

Books Edition

I read a ton of amazing books in February and there just isn’t enough time to make sure every one of them gets the review they deserve.  After listening to an episode of the Fated Mates podcast, I requested a book by Kristen Callihan and Reader Friends, we need to bring Paranormal Romance back! I forgot how much I loved it until I started reading Firelight. I want more magic, more witches, more archaic secret societies and rituals gone wrong. 

Books I loved:

A slow burn romance between a woman, Miranda, who can create fire with her mind and an incredibly wealthy man, Archer, disfigured by an ancient ritual gone wrong. He meets her in a dark alley on his way to kill her father but falls instantly in love with her feisty and fierce nature. He never reveals himself to her until three years later when he asks her father for her hand in marriage. He won’t marry her against her will but her father makes it known that if she doesn’t marry, she’s out of the house. On her wedding day and for weeks after, she never knows his true face and he keeps it covered with a mask and never forces her to consummate their marriage. When a string of wealthy men are murdered, Archer knows he’s the intended target and sets off to stop the killer. Miranda isn’t going to stand by and watch her husband be murdered and begins her own investigation. It’s some of the best writing I’ve encountered in the paranormal romance genre and I can’ t wait to order the rest of the series. Highly, highly recommend.

---

Pigs by Johanna Stoberock is a fascinating and imaginative look at the effects of capitalism have on our world and our lives. Four children live on an unnamed island in complete poverty. They spend their days feeding the world’s garbage to six pigs kept in pens. The pigs consumer everything. Trash, uneaten food, unwanted family members, discarded electronics, all of it fed to the pigs day after day. Also on the island are a group of adults who live lavishly and are incredibly cruel to the children. When a young boy washes up in a barrel, the children are unsure if he is to be taken in and cared for, or fed to the pigs. On the other side of the island, a man washes ashore and tries to survive on the unforgiving island. When the children encounter the man in the wild, the balance of the entire is disrupted and the fate of the world is put in jeopardy. I found it a powerfully written novel and read it in one sitting. Highly recommend this one.

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The Seep by Chana Porter is incredible. Just incredible. It’s a slim novel set in a time after we make first contact with aliens. But the aliens are microscopic and exist in our water so when we consume them, we join with them in our bodies. The Seep begin to change the world: capitalism is no more, sickness disappears, and our connection with our world is finally truly established. Trina, a middle aged trans woman is living her life blissfully with her wife Deeba until the day Deeba wants to start her life over. The Seep have given people the ability to be reborn-literally begin life again as a baby. Trina doesn’t want to raise Deeba, she wants to be married to her. When Deeba leaves to be reborn into a new family, Trina finds herself completely devastated and heartbroken. After an encounter with a young man who escaped from a colony where the Seep are not allowed, she sets out to protect him. This was so original and fascinating and completely unlike anything I’ve ever read. I loved the characters, the imaginative world, and the beautiful writing. Definitely read this one.

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Beautifully written, Murder on the Red River is a stark look at the effects of family separation, poverty, and privilege. After Cash has spent a childhood bouncing from foster home to foster home, she is finally able to emancipate herself and finds an unlikely ally in the white sheriff of her hometown. Now 19, Cash finds herself helping to solve the murder of an American Indian field worker. The closer Cash comes to find the killer, the more her own life is put in danger. Highly recommend this one.

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What have you been reading and loving lately? Drop your titles in the comments below!

Blog Tour! Before he Vanished by Debra Webb

Reader Friends, I have another great read for when you’re in the mood for some plot twists, dark family secrets, and an investigative reporter who is still on the mission to find her missing childhood friend. Before He Vanished was such a fast paced read that I read it in one sitting in the time it took my boys to watch an action flick. Halle is struggling to get her writing back after a slump and returns home to the anniversary of her best friend Andy’s disappearance. Convinced she can finally get an interview with Andy’s mother, Halle hopes she can find justice and peace for Andy’s family. When Liam Hart, vineyard owner and a complete stranger walks into her office accusing her of sending him pictures from his childhood, the two strike an unlikely alliance to discover the truth behind Andy’s disappearance and Liam’s connection to the case. Just when you think you know the truth, Debra Webb drops in a jaw dropping twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

About BEFORE HE VANISHED: Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?

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Interested? Want to read more? Here’s an excerpt:

BEFORE HE VANISHED by Debra Webb (Harlequin Intrigue)

The shower was like heaven on earth. Her body had needed the hot water so badly. Her muscles re¬laxed and she took her time, smoothing the soap over her skin and then shampooing her hair. She was grateful for the toiletry pack that included not only soap, shampoo and the usual, but disposable razors, as well.

By the time she was finished, her bones felt like rubber. She dried herself, slipped on underwear and the nightshirt and then used the hotel dryer to dry her hair. That part took the longest of all. When she exited the steamy bathroom the delicious aromas of room service had her stomach rumbling.

“Oh my God, that smells good.” She rushed to the table where the silver service sat. “Why aren’t you eating?”

“I was waiting for you.” He joined her at the table.

Ever the gentleman.

Halle curled her feet under her in her chair while Liam removed the covers from the dishes. Fish, chicken, vegetables. He had ordered all sorts of dishes and they all looked amazing.

“I thought we’d try a little of everything.”

A bottle of white wine as well as a bottle of rosé had her licking her lips.

“I wasn’t sure which one you preferred.” He ges¬tured to the iced-down bottles. “And I didn’t forget dessert.” The final lid revealed a heavenly-looking chocolate cake with fudge icing.

“I may die right now.” She wanted to taste it all.

“Eat first.” He placed a linen napkin over his lap and stuck his fork into a tiny, perfectly roasted po¬tato. She watched him eat and it was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. She didn’t fight it. Surrendered to instinct and that was how they ate. No plates, just taking whatever they wanted with a fork or fingers and devouring. They drank the wine and laughed at stories from their respective childhoods. From all the stories he’d told her, she could not wait to meet his sister, Claire.

By the time they were finished, she was feeling a little tipsy. The food was mostly gone and both bottles were drained. She felt more relaxed than she had in decades. They had discussed the day’s events and Burke and Austen—and Derrick. The man was still convinced she had a thing for Derrick. No way. She’d also told him what her mom had to say about any friends from Nashville the Clarks might have had, which was none who ever appeared at their door. She and Liam agreed that was somewhat un¬usual considering how social the Clarks had been in Winchester.

“You know,” she said, after polishing off the last of the wine in her glass, “I wrote you dozens of let¬ters.”

“Me?”

She frowned and shook her head. “Andy.” Then she stared at him. “No. You. I mean you. Whatever you believe, I know you’re him.”

“Okay.” He laughed, his eyes glittering with the soft sound.

God, his mouth was sexy when he was relaxed. She put her hand to her mouth just to make sure she hadn’t said the words out loud.

“Tell me about the letters,” he prompted.

“I told you what was going on in Winchester. Who was doing what at school. I even put pictures with the letters.” She laughed. Placed her glass on the table. “It was silly, I know. But I wanted to still feel you and that was the only way I could.”

She blinked. He had moved. He was suddenly next to her, on his knees, staring into her eyes, and her breath caught.

“I don’t know if I’m this Andy you loved so much when you were a kid,” he said softly, so softly she shivered, “but I would really like to be the guy you care about now.”

Her heart swelled into her throat. She started to suggest that it was the wine talking, but it wasn’t. The truth was in his eyes. Those blue eyes she knew as well as her own. And despite her wine consump¬tion, she was stone-cold sober as she considered what could happen between them tonight.

“I’m really glad, because I would hate to think I’m in this alone,” she confessed.

He kissed her so sweetly that tears stung her eyes. Then he stood and pulled her into his arms. He car¬ried her to the nearest bed.

No matter what happened tomorrow, she would always cherish this night.

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About DEBRA WEBB: DEBRA WEBB is the award winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than

150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death

series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of

storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com or

write to her at PO Box 176, Madison, AL 35758.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Blog Tour! Secret Heir Seduction by Reese Ryan

Reader Friends, I have a steamy romance for you today! Thanks to Harlequin, I get to share with you all the sizzling details about Darius and Audra’s romantic story. Also, notice anything different about those book covers? I catalog Harlequin romances each month at the Library and I’m loving the new cover designs! A fresh look for some fresh new love stories.

Discovering he’s a long-lost heir isn’t the only surprise awaiting Darius Taylor-Pratt in Royal, Texas. He’s next door to his ex after five long years. Darius broke off his red-hot relationship with designer Audra Covington without explanation. He still has regrets…and truths he’s hiding. Rekindling their flame may cost him…especially when new secrets surface to threaten their second shot at seduction.

I really enjoyed the story of Darius and Audra. Even though they are both wildly successfully and wealthy, they are both very relatable and I quickly became invested in getting the two of them together. You can tell intermediately they are perfect together but after their first attempt at romance ended badly in college, the two have to get over some serious hurt to try at love again. Audra has her most recent ex trying to win her back, Darius has his new found paternity and siblings to wrap his head around, and the two of them have successful careers that they need to focus on. Reese Ryan weaves all of this together into a romantic and intriguing tale of scandal, love, and forgiveness.

Here’s a little taste of Secret Heir Seduction:

Excerpt

Audra slid into the driver’s seat of the Bentley Con¬tinental GT convertible her parents had gifted her four years ago, after her business cleared a million dollars in profits in its first year.

She glanced back at the diner. Darius sat motionless in the booth where she’d left him.

Of all the people in the world that she could run into, she had to run into Darius Freaking Taylor-Pratt. The man who’d broken her heart five years ago.

She’d been madly in love with him, and she’d be¬lieved he loved her, too. Right up to the moment he’d said things had gotten too serious between them, and he needed space.

There had been no discussion. No evidence he’d fallen for someone else. And no real explanation.

She’d been devastated.

They’d met at a party during grad school at Harvard. The attraction between them had almost been instant. She’d told her friend that she was pretty sure she’d met the man she was going to marry.

Sure, she’d been a little buzzed when she said it. But every day they were together made her believe those words to be true.

Darius suddenly ending things had come of out no¬where. It had left her reeling, wondering what she’d done wrong.

But that was the past. It’d taken some time, but she’d gotten over it and moved on.

Or at least she’d always believed she had. But seeing Darius today made her feel as if things between them weren’t finished at all.

He was more handsome than ever in his navy Tom Ford suit, a white shirt and a navy print tie. His story about being in Royal on business was undoubtedly true. Never a fan of suits, Darius would require a damn good reason to wear one.

And the bald head he was rocking…on him it was sexy as sin. Her fingers had itched with the desire to run her palm over the smooth, brown skin on his clean-shaven head. She’d balled her hands into fists, her fin-gernails leaving marks on her palms.

Darius’s dark brown eyes registered a mix of emo¬tions she couldn’t quite read.

Sadness. Anger? Maybe even regret.

The only thing she knew for sure was that she’d des¬perately wanted to lean in and kiss him. If only to re-mind him of what he’d walked away from five years ago.

Her cell phone rang.

Sophie Blackwood.

Audra smiled, thankful for the distraction. She hit the call button and pulled out of her parking space, heading back toward the house she was renting while she stayed in Royal.

“Hello, Sophie. Back in town yet?”

“We arrived a couple of hours ago. Nigel, my fiancé, needed to stay a couple more days to take care of a staff¬ing issue with the show.”

Audra couldn’t help smiling. Sophie was doing that thing that many newly engaged women did where they referred to their intended as their fiancé, as frequently as possible. It was adorable. And everything about So-phie’s bubbly excitement and the warmth with which she talked about him spoke to just how in love they were.

For Sophie’s sake, Audra truly hoped that their love would last.

“No worries. I’ve been keeping myself occupied. I sketched out a few designs. I’ll show them to you when we get together.”

“Are you busy now? We’re going to grab a bite with friends over at the Glass House in an hour or so. You should join us.”

“Thanks, but I just picked up a salad.” Hopefully, Sophie didn’t think her rude for turning down her offer.

“Is everything all right?” Sophie’s voice was laced with concern.

“Yes. I’m just a bit stunned. I ran into my grad school ex just now.”

“A local?” Sophie asked.

“No, in fact, I got the impression this is his first time here, too. So it was weird to run into him.” Audra bit into the sucker she’d teased Darius with.

She was pretty sure he’d nearly fainted when he caught a glimpse of her pierced tongue.

Good.

She might be over Darius, but she wasn’t above re¬minding him that he should be sorry he’d walked out on her.

“Oh? Who is he?” Sophie’s voice sounded less jovial.

“Darius Taylor-Pratt. He runs the athletic perfor¬mance clothing company Thr3d.”

“That must’ve been quite a surprise.” Sophie laughed nervously, then quickly changed the subject. “So the venue where I’d like to have my wedding got damaged during the recent wildfires. The damaged portions have been rebuilt, but there’s still a lot of work to do. If you could spare the time this Saturday, we could definitely use the help. Besides, it would be a chance for you to get to know some of the folks you’re creating custom jewelry pieces for.”

“Sure.” Audra shrugged. “And maybe we can meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss your custom designs?”

“Come to my place tomorrow afternoon at one. We’ll have a late lunch and go over everything.” Full-blown giddiness had returned to Sophie’s voice. “See you then!”

God, I remember what it felt like to be that in love.

Seeing Darius and talking to Sophie made her even more certain she’d done the right thing when she’d bro¬ken it off with her most recent ex a few months ago.

Cassius “Cash” Johannsson was exactly the man her mother and United States senator father wanted her to marry. A perfectly nice gentleman from the right fam¬ily with ambitions to one day sit in the Oval Office. But she wanted more than just “perfectly nice.”

She wanted a man who made her laugh. Who was her friend as well as her lover. A man who understood the manic craziness that often accompanied a creative mind. A man who made her body burn for his.

Cash had never engendered that kind of spark in her. Nor had she ever gushed over Cash the way Sophie did over Nigel. The way she once had over Darius.

In the end, she’d broken it off with Cash because she was just settling. He deserved someone who would feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be on his arm.

Audra entered the beautiful gated community where her rental house was located. She was traveling with sample jewelry pieces and loose diamonds, the value of which easily topped two million dollars. So she re-quired the additional security afforded by this gated community and the safety measures of the home she was renting from the Blackwoods’ family friend—Dixie Musgraves.

She grabbed her meal, courtesy of the Royal Diner, and headed inside, determined to banish all thoughts of Darius.

About REESE RYAN: Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring a diverse cast of complex characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests and life-changing secrets while treating readers to emotional love stories with unexpected twists. Past president of her local RWA chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate of the romance genre and diversity in fiction. Visit her online at ReeseRyan.com.

Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

New Books for February 11, 2020

Happy Tuesday!

It’s New Book Tuesday! My favorite day of the week and this week has some great books coming out. I have a stack of books on my desk that shipped early and are just waiting to be cataloged so they can finally be read by my kids. Remember, Librarians love recommendations so if you see a book that looks amazing, please tell your local Library and you just might find it on the shelf waiting for you.

Happy Reading everyone!

For the younger readers:

For the grown-ups: