Review: Before the Crown

Before the Crown by Flora Harding
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of The Crown and I love historical fiction so I was really excited to read Elizabeth and Phillip's story before she ascends to the throne. The cover is extremely gorgeous as well.
It was a slow build for me though I loved how the author took her time to tell their love story. For Elizabeth, it was love at first sight. For Phillip, it seemed to be about convenience. But, we know from real life that their marriage has lasted.
I am not sure how much is fiction versus fact but it was well-written.
Thank you, #Netgalley.

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Review: Somebody's Daughter

Somebody's Daughter by Rochelle B. Weinstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma and Bobby Ross live in a hotel with their twin daughters in Miami Beach. They have a charmed life, great friends, and their family unit appears to have an unbreakable bond. But on the night of their daughters, Zoe and Lily's fifteenth birthday, things take a drastic turn.
A video of Zoe in a compromising position goes viral and the Ross family finds themselves embroiled in a public scandal. Soon, they find themselves judged harshly and the objects of pity and scorn. The incident has brings back memories of Emma's own past to the forefront. A past that could tear her family apart.
Whew! This is not my first Rochelle Weinstein read. She tackled the dangers of social media and covered the topic of harassment and cyber-bullying etc. What a topic to cover with young girls and sexuality. I loved the development of the story, even though Bobby's character arc made me dislike him at times. He was so...rigid. I do think Emma's revelation dragged a bit. Themes such as family, love, forgiveness were threaded throughout. For me, this was read about moving on after a big mistake. Yes, you can do. You must keep going. And you can, with love. And, as a mother, I understood Emma. I am going to love my children no matter what. I cried at the end, though some may see it as cheesy and neat.
There were some memorable quotes:
"Family doesn't abandon each other at tough times. Families don't pick and choose the parts to love. Families fight for each other no matter what tries to break them apart."
"Let me tell you what love means. It means we're all profoundly human. That we make mistakes, and we accept each other's faults. It means we value each other more than our pride."

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Review: The Only Woman in the Room

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hedy Lamarr was a combination of beauty and brains. Her beauty drew the eye of an Austrian arms dealer. Married at a young age to this powerful man placed her in a position to overhear the plans of the Third Reich. She gave up her passion and appeared to have it all. But, what she wanted most was freedom. Using her cunning, Hedy gained just that and made her way to America to become a screen star.
But, Hedy has a secret, one which rages within her. Soon, Hedy knows she has to help fight the Nazis but as a woman she is doubtful anyone will take her seriously.
This daring depiction of a screen siren and scientist with a groundbreaking invention that helped shaped our modern day communication was a gripping read and my third by Marie Benedict. The author has a way of showing the lives of women in a way that is masterful while lauding their intelligence. The descriptions were magnificent. I could visualize the castles, the luxury and the fear. I felt the impact of her beauty, gender and ethnicity in that time period. The novel takes us seamlessly through time, although there was a heavy emphasis on her life before and during her first marriage. I loved this read and can't wait to read more of her work.

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Review: Carnegie's Maid

Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clara Kelly is an imposter, pretending to be an Irish maid. Another woman with the same name was supposed to get the job but she is nowhere to be found. She Clara assumes her identity and works for the Carnegie's in Pittsburgh.
Clara's family in Ireland desperately needs her financial help so she has to succeed in her new role as a lady's maid for the Andrew and Tom Carnegie's mother. Mrs. Carnegie is tough and not so easy to please but Clara strives to meet the other woman's demanding expectations.
But her identity isn't the only thing Clara is hiding: her intelligence. One that Andrew Carnegie sees right away. Together they form a friendship and Andrew begins to seek her out, relying on her advice on business matters. Soon, Andrew comes to mean more to her than just being her boss but Clara knows that her families' welfare could be jeopardized if he learns the truth. But her relationship with Andrew Carnegie might have influenced his philanthropy.
I was glued reading this story by Marie Benedict - my second by this author. This tale shows the author's imagination and her ability to tell a believable tale. I felt like I was taken back in time and I could see the plight of the immigrants during this time. My heart broke reading about the poverty and the struggle. The discrepancy between the rich and poor was pronounced and really impactful. My next read is, The Other Woman in the Room. All I can say is, keep them coming. I love Marie Benedict's creativity. Her work is a masterful blend of history and fiction.

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Review: The Good Sister

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sally Hepworth delivers a compelling read about sisters, their bond and relationship.
Rose and Fern appear to be the closest of twin sisters. Rose is Fern's caretaker and is very protective as Fern has sensory issues and special needs. Fern is a librarian who avoids people and social interaction. She relies on Rose to help her all the time and is devoted to her.
That's because Rose helped Fern overcome something terrible years ago. So, when Fern learns that Rose is unable to have a child, she knows just how to repay her--by having a baby for her. As luck would have it, Fern meets a not-so-homeless man, Wally, who is more than he appears.
But everything in this read is not as it appears. Soon, Fern begins to come into her own and to develop a level of independence and confidence in herself that was nice to see unfold. Fern will come to certain revelations that will have you rooting for her.
What I loved about this read is how the author took her time to let the story unfold, layer by layer until you get to the creepy truth. This is not a rushed tale but it is one that carries you on a journey that is both compelling and crazy at the same time.
She takes you into the mind of a woman whose twisted truth had me shaking my head in disbelief. This is my first Sally Hepworth read and all I can say is, that I can't wait to read more from her.
This is the read for a rainy day where you put your foot up and savor each page as you descend into mind of a ruthless character. It was creepy good.
#Netgalley thank you.

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Review: The Way You Hold Me

The Way You Hold Me by Elle Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Skye Palmer is a master at handling disasters for top clients. When Hollywood actress, Paige Mills, finds herself at the forefront of a major scandal involving her husband, Skye is selected to help navigate this publicity nightmare. Garrett Steele is an attorney whose firm handles disasters. He is hired by Paige's husband. Skye and Garrett team up to handle the case and these former lovers' passion reignite. Both Skye and Garrett have to overcome issues from their past before they can ever have a chance at a future.

I loved that the author portrayed a main character who was seeing a therapist. Many times there is a stigma with that and so seeing a successful woman do this, I think will be empowering to many readers. I especially loved the bond between Garrett and Max and how he stepped up to be there for his sister. Those scenes were heartwarming and I can relate as there is a fifteen year gap between myself and my sister.

Memorable quotes:
"I want to kiss you again. I want to kiss you so long and so hard and so deep that you forget about the past and the future." Whew. What a line.
"The problem with overthinking is people tend to live their lives based on what could happen as opposed to enjoying what is happening."

This is the second read in the series. I loved seeing glimpses of Zara and X - her pregnancy eating was hilarious. I look forward to reading the third book.
Thank you #Netgalley

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Review: Do No Harm

Do No Harm by Christina McDonald
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emma is a doctor who has huge student loan bills, so while she and her detective husband, Nate, are comfortable, they cannot afford any calamity. Then her five year old son, Josh, becomes ill and is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
As any mother can relate and understand, Emma is desperate to save her son's life. Josh needs a costly procedure that her insurance will not cover and Emma decides to get the money herself. She will do anything necessary to save him, even sell opiods.
Whew! What a read.
I admit I have mixed feelings about this one. I am a huge fan of the author. And when it comes to descriptions and laying out the scenes, she did not disappoint. Christina McDonald made me visualize everything Emma and Nate were facing. I felt their panic, their pressure and their love for their son. What I didn't get about Emma's character was how she beelined toward the decision to sell opiods so quickly.
She was twisty and at times, cold. I found some of her actions really horrible all the while saying, the ends justifies the means. So, while I had to read what would happen, I didn't like how she was comfortable lying and using the men in her life to get her way.
So many things happened that made this read emotional and intense but again, there was no redemption for this character. I read it quickly, tore through it but even now, I am not sure how I feel. I look forward to more from this author as her skills are off-the-charts.
Thank you #Netgalley.

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Review: A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell by Joanna Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honora Blake has been fending for herself since her husband, Frank left her on her own. Then Lord Isaac Lovell comes into her life to tell her that Frank has died. While she is grappling with that, Honora learns she is broke and without a place to live. Isaac opens his home to her and soon, Honora, finds herself a new family with his pregnant ward, Charlotte.
I loved the interracial romance factor and the fact that the hero and heroine were a little older and more mature. My heart melted at the tenderness between Honora and Charlotte. I loved how Honora was feisty and independent. And, I was glad to see how the author showed Isaac's soft side and how he became a man of honor - overcoming a rakish past.
Here's a quote of Honora's discovery:
"His face was handsome and his title might impress some, but it was the light in his soul that called to Honora and made hers cry out in return."
Honora and Isaac's romance also had passion but their conflict at the end felt...contrived. Honora had a premonition, it appeared, but then was shocked when she learned the truth. But this is a romance and there has to be a black moment, I guess...
Other than that, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin

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Review: Scandal and the Runaway Bride

Scandal and the Runaway Bride by Donna Alward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Will Pemberton is furious when he learns his brother's bride, Gabi, has run off on the day of their wedding. He is all about protecting his family's name and comes up with a quick plan of action. What he didn't see coming was his attraction to Gabi and the potential to create an even bigger scandal because of their love.
This was a cute story and it was interesting to see a hero with a rough past like Will's. He overcame so much and worked on rebuilding his reputation. But being with Gabi could mean seeing his reputation in shreds and put him at odds with his family.
What I absolutely loved were Gabi's interactions with her family. They were so loving and supportive. I enjoyed seeing how they were with each other.
Here is a line that warmed my heart: "He liked her as a person, desired her as a woman." Overall, this read made me smile. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin for the ARC.

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Review: After Hours Redemption

After Hours Redemption by Kianna Alexander
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Blaine Woodson broke Eden Voss' heart to save his record label. Years later, Blaine is back to ask Eden to help write songs for his new artist, Naima B. Eden agrees because of financial obligations and though she is attracted to Blaine, vows to keep things between them on a professional level.
I found this a quick, enjoyable read. At times, I didn't understand Blaine and his actions. He was...frustrating and yes, selfish. I was glad to see how the author developed both characters and it was good to see their growth. It isn't easy to redeem characters and I felt she did that with Blaine. They had an intense and hot attraction that will keep readers turning the pages.
The cover is hot. Thank you, #Netgalley #Harlequin.

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Review: Pretty Baby

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From beginning to end, Mary Kubica had me spellbound. Lots of visceral reactions to this read. I loved how she broke this character down. It is unbelievable what grief can do if isn't handled or acknowledged. Great read. Finished in hours!

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Review: The Gift of Family

The Gift of Family by Mary Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rosemary and Eugene Johnson meets all our couple goals. She owns a nail salon and he is an entertainment lawyer. They live in a beautiful home and are in love. The only thing missing is a child. When Rosemary needs emergency surgery and needs to stay home to recuperate, Eugene brings in Ethel Perkins, the woman who his caretaker.
Once Ethel begins working for them, she becomes more than an employee and the bond they form with her will have a lifetime impact on both families.
The Gift of Family was a sweet, heartwarming read. The characters were relatable and the overall message, uplifting. I loved the faith element. This wasn't drama-filled but it tugged at my heart strings. I think many will enjoy this story.
Memorable quote:
"Without boundaries and structure, anything could happen. Unfortunately, when there are no boundaries or when they are ignored, bad things are more likely to happen."
Thank you, Netgalley!

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Review: In the Deep

In the Deep by Loreth Anne White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

IN THE DEEP by Loreth Anne White is a tale of deceit, betrayal that is filled with twists and turns. The story takes place in Australia and the descriptions made me feel like I was there. Bats!! Wow. I felt the heat. I felt like I was by the water sitting on the beach.

Ellie - a heiress, struggling to overcome pains of the past and other tough circumstances - meets Martin, a real estate mogul who sweeps her off her feet. After mere months, they get married and that's when everything changes. Ellie invests in his company but when she learns the truth behind his venture and realizes she is danger, Ellie does not know who she can fully trust. Ellie is a flawed character with much to overcome. There were times I was frustrated with her decisions but I still rooted for her.

This has an intriguing story line that has some courtroom drama - and if you stick with it, I promise you will find an ending, a curve ball, you didn't see coming. I thought the author was clever with how she worked the twist. And, the suspense kept me reading to find out what was going to happen.

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