Flames of Wrath Kindle Edition by J.L. Campbell

 Book Excerpt:

"A mother's quest for justice turns into a race against time to stop insidious murders that mysteriously begin populating throughout the city. This emotionally chilling thriller will enthrall fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware!

The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge!
 
In less than twenty-four hours—before Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in Jamaica—a group of friends betrays her in a grisly assault that stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for the mercy of death. She survives. While on the road to recovery, Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence, leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.
 
When the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them. Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else dies, or has their fate been sealed—leaving them with no place to run, and no place to hide . . ."

Title: Flames of Wrath
Author: J. L. Campbell
Publisher: Black Odyssey Media
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Flames of Wrath" by J. L. Campbell

My Sentiments:

All that is left to say is that' Flames of Wrath' was a premeditated murder thriller from start to finish. The author gives the reader quite an exciting read that will keep one turning the pages to see what is coming next for Alexia Leighton. This seventeen-year-old was on spring break in Jamaica with supposing friends, but what kind of friends were these people? One thing about it ... Alexia survives, and all I can say is by the end of this read, one may even feel somewhat sorry for each of them.

These people who had hurt Alexia had no idea what they were in for because Alexia's mom, Geneva Leighton, was a cyber-security expert. If you are still determining what that is, please look it up... it will be worth it to know why this mother did what she had to do to find out what and who had done this to her daughter. I was in awe of it as Geneva did not get any help from the police in Jamaica and Miami, from her husband [in the beginning], and the father-in-law, so she decided to put her skills together and do what she had to do to find out who had done this horrible thing to Alexia. Will she find out? Open 'Flames of Wrath' to see how well this author brings it all out. By the way, I was impressed with Geneva and Spence's son...Jaden, along with Alexia.

The characters, especially the secondary ones, were quite interesting as Geneva could pick them out individually, and the help she got, especially from one of those people, was right on the mark. I felt a little sorry for this person, but they brought it on themselves after everything was said and done. And to see the police didn't know what and who had done what until that fire and seemed to want to blame Geneva, but that wasn't going to happen...why... because she was always able to be two steps ahead of them. Ha ha!

Innocent on Trial: An David Walker Legal Thriller Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler

 Book Excerpt:

"David Walker, a brilliant and charismatic defense attorney, is accused of the brutal murder of his colleague and former lover, Jenny Ashley.

As the evidence mounts against him, David is arrested and put on Trial. With his reputation in tatters and his freedom hanging in the balance, he must navigate a treacherous legal landscape where the line between guilt and innocence is blurred.

With the help of his loyal and resourceful investigator, Michael Sullivan, David fights to prove his innocence, unmask the true culprits, and expose the corruption behind the scenes…

Innocent on Trial is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Ellis' intriguing story."

Buy "Innocent on Trial" today to discover Ellis' new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: Innocent on Trial
Author: Ellis Keler
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Innocent on Trial" by Ellis Keler

My Sentiments:

'Innocent on Trial' was a good read featuring David Walker, who was a "defense attorney who has been accused of the murder of his colleague and former lover, Jenny Ashley." Will his friend and lawyer, Sarah Roberts, be able to help get him out of this horrible mess that he has gotten himself into? Also, there is an investigator, Michael Sullivan, who will significantly help David's case, which will be somewhat of a surprise in the way David had thought he would be... not trusting cops and all due to the way he was arrested and brought in.

As the case is brought into the court, will David make it out, okay? This is where I say you must pick up this good read to see all of its 'strong characters, action-paced courtroom drama, and quite a mind-blowing murder mystery that gets one intriguing story in the end.' Pick up the read, and you will see for yourself.

There will be an extended epilogue. However, I couldn't pull it up, so will it give us a perfect ending for this story?

The Murdered Lawyer Legal Thriller (The Murdered Lawyer: Charles Lawson legal thriller series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"In the small town of Harborwood, uncovering a long-buried secret could prove deadly...

When his close friend and fellow lawyer is brutally murdered, Charles Lawson shocks everyone by choosing to defend Emily Myers...the prime suspect. All the evidence points to her guilt, yet he knows there's more to this than meets the eye.

As he tries to prove his client's innocence, he realizes winning the case is almost impossible. And when serious threats emerge, Charles knows his time to find justice is running out. Soon, he might be the next murdered lawyer...

The Murdered Lawyer is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story.

Buy "The Murdered Lawyer" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!"

Title: The Murdered Lawyer
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: Charles Lawson Legal Thriller Series Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Murdered Lawyer" by Freya Atwood

My Sentiments:

'Murdered Lawyer' is an excellent legal thriller that will keep one turning the pages to see what is going on with Charles Lawson, an attorney working on Emily's case. The reader will find the characters well-developed, ed with a lot of action and suspense all around this story. The story is all about who killed Charles's friend, Alex, who had been murdered, while another friend has been charged with that murder. Will Charles solve this complicated case before it's too late? The reader must pick up this good read to see how this author brings it all out. However, from the extended epilogue, Charles has more coming from the letters being sent. So, we will get another excellent story about that one coming up. Stay tuned for that one!

All Who Wander Kindle Edition by Joe Clifford

 Book Excerpt:

"One snowy night in 1998, Brooke Mulcahy's car slides off the road in rural Vermont. Her car is discovered. She is not. Twenty-one years later, Robert Kirby, Brooke's stepbrother, is paid a visit by a young woman (Lily), who claims to be Brooke's daughter. Since a tumultuous upbringing, Robert, formerly "Bobby," has enjoyed considerable success. Now an esteemed professor at a private Upstate New York university, Robert has just received a significant NEH grant. After Lily's visit, Robert's life is upended.

His wife Stephanie reveals she is unhappy in the marriage and takes their teenage son to visit her sister in PA. Brooke's former best friend, Aaron Reardon, still devastated from Brooke's disappearance, offers to help. And forever lurking in the background is Mike Rakowski, Brooke's ex, a possessive, abusive drug addict.

As Robert's world unravels, he revisits that night twenty-one years ago when everything went wrong, unearthing a horrible, bone-chilling secret. In the vein of Simone St. James' Sun Down Motel and other female-driven domestic psychological thrillers today, ALL WHO WANDER mines the depths of past transgression, begging the question: do past sin automatically negate future happiness?"

Title: All Who Wander
Author: Joe Clifford
Publisher: Square Tire Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"All Who Wander" by Joe Clifford

My Sentiments:

All that is left to say is that 'All Who Wander' is a psychological thriller that will keep the reader turning the pages. This was quite a read of a dysfunctional family that was off the chart...on this 'haunting journey."

Be ready for a little bit of it all from a Vermont disappearance of two decades, secrets, and regrets of the past. This author gives the reader quite a read of a family with lots of trauma and the results from their past.
To understand this, we see the protagonist, Robert [Bobby] Kirby, half-brother, who will explore this family mess along with a horrible ending for him. However, some other lurking characters in the story gave me pause, such as Mike Rakowski, Aaron Reardon, and Brooke Mulchay.

You must pick up this read to see how this psychologically twisted mystery story will all emerge as it unravels.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.

Verdicts & Vengeance: A complete legal thriller series by Megan Corver Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"A lawyer determined to do anything for Justice. A complete Legal Thriller Series by Megan Corver

Reaper of Justice

In a town plagued by secrets and betrayal, defense attorney Megan Corver must navigate treacherous waters to clear her client's name, even if it means sacrificing herself to a sinister game of deception and murder.

Ruthless Justice

Lawyer Megan Corver's world unravels when her sister is charged with arson, leading her on a dark journey to uncover the truth and confront family secrets that may cost her dearly.

Vengeful Justice

When Maya is confronted with her estranged father's involvement in her mother's murder, she must grapple with the choice between family loyalty and a chilling truth, all while a vengeful threat from her past looms."

This a collection of the complete legal thriller series by Megan Corver. Each book in the series is approximately 90.000 words (around 450 pages), written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Freya's legal thriller collection. Also, this series can be read separately.

Title: Verdicts: & Vengeance
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: A Complete Legal Thriller Series by Megan Corver
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Verdicts & Vengeance" by Freya Atwood

My Sentiments:

This is three separate series: Reaper of Justice:

"Reaper of Justice' was quite a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see what was going on next for Megan Corver, a District Attorney trying a case where she was defending a young man for murder. It was good to see how well this attorney sought after the truth while working on Oliver's defense.
From this murder, there will be another one where it seems like this may 'reflect on her family as well,' giving the reader one exciting ending. Be ready for lots of suspense; with some twists and turns, the danger will have you shaking your head and saying, wow. The characters are well-delivered and defined, and the reader is caught up in the storyline. If you like crime thrillers, you may select 'Reaper of Justice.'

Next, we have Ruthless Justice:

Again, this author gives the reader another suspenseful, compelling, emotional thriller with action, twists and turns, and unraveling secrets that will keep you wanting more. Ruthless Justice has a well-developed storyline with an excellent cast of characters and scenes. I especially enjoyed the courtroom scenes with the interplay between the two lawyers. It was pretty interesting as family secrets came out about Megan's sister Catherine, with a few clues that would be revealed due to a cold case dear to Megan. Megan, a defense attorney, will defend her sister, so be prepared for quite an 'emotional roller-coaster ride' as the reader will be taken on one unforgettable ride. How will this author bring this story out to the reader? You must pick up 'Ruthless Justice' to see how well that is done.

And lastly, we have the third series...Vengeful Justice

All that is left to say is to get all of this story; I would suggest you read this author's novels 'Reaper of Justice, Ruthless Justice, and then end with Vengeful Justice' to get the complete tale featuring Lawyer Megan Corver with her family Cathy, her son Lucas, and their father. The secondary characters, Uncle Jime, Aiden, Taylor, and Jasmine, were well-developed and defined. Be ready for lots of courtroom drama, twists, and turns all over the place, with a strong female lead and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. All that is left to say is, by the end, will we find out who killed Megan's mother?

What is left to say about this series is that the conclusion and the extended story put the icing on the cake, giving the reader an excellent read.

Hooked On A Real One For The Holiday Series: Books 1 & 2 Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"A JUICY DRAMA FROM JADE JONES

Karlotta thought she had it all when she married the handsome, hood-rich, charismatic Capone. He was everything she wanted in a husband and more, so she didn't think twice about saying yes when he proposed to her a few days before Christmas. Karlotta just knew he was the one for her…but that was before things quickly went from sugar to shit—and before she found herself in the arms of his homie, Real.

If you're looking for a steamy, holiday-themed tale of lust, love, and lies, then look no further. This African-American urban romance will leave you flipping pages until the last jaw-dropping scene."

Title: Hooked On A Real One For The Holiday
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Series: Series Book 1 & 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Hooked On A Real One For The Holiday" by Jade Jones

My Sentiments:

The author gives us a good story presenting both books in this series together, where Capone, Karlotta, and Real were well presented. It seemed to Karlotta that she had everything she wanted in getting married to Capone, but will that last? And why was that, as she appeared to be taken with someone else when things were not going well for her and the marriage to Capone? Oh, yes, that was... Pick up this good read to see how book one comes out because there will be a lot going on with Karlotta, Real, Capone, and Brittney.

As we move on to Book Two, what has happened to Capone, and why is Brittney looking for him? Why is Karlotta so upset with Real? There will be a lot going on in book two that will answer questions that will be asked as one reads through the story.

By the end, the story will be well-presented, giving the reader a good story with lots of twists and turns at the end.

Billionaire Lumberjack: A Standalone Billionaire Mountain Man Forced Proximity Romance (Lumberjacks in Love Book 1) Kindle Edition by Gwyn McNamee

 Book Excerpt:

"Rescued by the billionaire lumberjack...Lost.

Alone.
Freezing on the side of a desolate mountain in a massive snowstorm.
Until a rugged man with an ax saves me.
Waking in his warm, comfortable bed leaves more than one question.
How did I get here?
Where are my clothes?
And who is this handsome recluse with striking dark eyes and a grumpy demeanor?
The answers only bring more mysteries.
He doesn't want me here.
Doesn't want his secrets exposed.
I don't want him to know mine, either.
But there's only so long we can deny this sizzling attraction.
Only until I learn the truth about my billionaire lumberjack and our pasts come back to haunt us."

Grab this steamy stand-alone about a billionaire in hiding, the photographer who stumbles upon him, and what happens when they're trapped together during a major snowstorm with building attractions and dark secrets!

Title: Billionaire Lumberjack
Author: Gwyn McNamee
Publisher: G. M.
Series: Lumberjacks in Love Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Billionaire Lumberjack" by Gwyn McNamee

My Sentiments:

'Billionaire Lumberjack' is a well-written contemporary romance featuring Beau and Brooke, who both have secrets that were being held and not revealed, meeting during a snowstorm. We find that he was running and she was hiding. What will happen when it all comes out for these two complex people? Be ready for a read of mystery, suspense, and good chemistry together. To see if Beau and Brooke will find their way to a HEA, the reader must pick up this good read to see how the story will come together by the end.

Mending the Rancher's Heart: A Historical Western Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Lorelei Brogan

 Book Excerpt:

"Freed from the clutches of forced marriage in Chicago, Josie Parker finds herself amidst the untamed expanses of the Californian plains, her heart tethered to a promise in a newspaper ad. A leap of hope leads her into the world of a young rancher burdened by love lost and duty towards his ailing mother and younger siblings. But can the rugged hands of the West nurture the tender buds of newfound affection?

Yet, as doubts linger in the shadows of their hearts…

Wyatt guards his heart, scarred from past betrayal, even as Josie's gentle presence hints at hope. As his stoic facade crumbles under her gentle smiles and nurturing touch, the horizon seems to blush with hues of hope and warmth, something Wyatt had long deemed unattainable. Yet, can he allow love to seep through the barren soils of his heart, beckoning a shared tomorrow?

However, a sinister cloud casts its shadow…

Bound by shared fears, hopes, and the tender strings of blossoming love, Josie and Wyatt find themselves in the vortex of love and danger. Will love's tender script find its way through the rugged pages of the Western saga, or will the shadows of past vendettas eclipse the dawn of love's sweet promise?"

"Mending the Rancher's Heart" is a historical Western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Title: Mending The Rancher's Heart
Author: Lorelei Brogan
Publisher: L.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Mending The Rancher's Heart" by Lorelei Brogan

My Sentiments:

'Mending the Rancher's Heart' is an excellent Western historical that this author gives us, featuring Josie and Wyatt and how they met as a mail-order couple. It was a good read to see how they journeyed into this relationship, with both having to overcome their obstacles. I enjoyed the vivid pictures of the area, and the characters were all entertaining and engaging in their parts.

Oh, I did like the extended epilogue that did add a little more to this exciting story.

If you want a sweet Western historical romance, this one will be a good one to check out.

A Treat for Tricking Kindle Edition by Cornelia Smith

 Book Excerpt:

"Homeless, scared, and on the run for her life, Genesis Campbell found herself caught in a web of desperation and ambition. Confused about her next move, Genesis stumbled upon a chance encounter that would forever change her life.

A wealthy African named Kofi approached her, proposing a marriage of convenience that promised Genesis financial security in exchange for his path to U.S. citizenship. She thought, "Hell yeah, why not," but that's until Genesis discovered the deep, dark secrets to Kofi's success. She wanted OUT! Only, she realized she was an "I Do" too late.
Trapped in a marriage of hell, Genesis plots and schemes her way to freedom. Murder, lies, deceit, betrayal, no move is off limits in this game of chess … Find out if Genesis will get a treat or be tricked in this fast-paced trickery novella…."

Title: A Treat for Tricking
Author: Cornelia Smith
Publisher: The Book Plug LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Treat for Tricking" by Cornelia Smith

My Sentiments:

'A Treat for Tricking' was an excellent short story about the mess Genesis Campbell got into trying to save her sisters, Sunjae and Tyler. Genesis thought that getting involved with this wealthy African, Kofi, would suit her for two years, but was that to be for her? Getting mixed up in 'murder, lies, deceit, betrayal, along with secrets...in the end, would this end for Genesis getting a treat or being tricked after all is said and done? In the end, who will Genesis be left with? To find out the answer and so much more... pick up this read and see how it is brought out so well by the author.

A Cry in the Dark: A woman on the run, murder in a small town (Carly Moore Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition by Denise Grover Swank

 

Book Excerpt:

"A woman fleeing her past finds more than she bargains for in a mystery romance series by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank.

The Carly Moore Mystery series is now complete.

With the ink barely dry on her new identity, Carly Moore wants to disappear…but fate has other plans.

With a broken-down car and next to nothing in her bank account, Carly is stuck in a Smoky Mountain town that time has forgotten. Drum, Tennessee, is riddled with secrets, and outsiders are eyed with distrust. Still, it isn't until she witnesses a cold-blooded murder in a darkened parking lot that she realizes she's escaped one nightmare, only to land in another.

As the clock ticks down and more bodies pile up, Carly doesn't know who to trust. If she doesn't stop the killers, they just might stop her…permanently."

Title: A Cry in the Dark
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Publisher: DGS
Series: Carly Moore Mystery Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Cry in the Dark" by Denise Grover Swank

My Sentiments:

'A Cry In The Darkness' is a good read that gives the reader a bit of mystery, suspense, and romance. It happened in this small town named Drum, Tennessee, where Caroline Blakely just happened to come upon a rural setting where she had been on the run from her father. Caroline [Carly] never thought she would be so 'involved with secrets from her past' as she passes through this town, only stopping due to car trouble. Not only will there be drama as you read through this scary story, but be ready for many problems, from drugs, lynchpins, kingpins, crime, corruption, secrets, murder, and so much more, before one gets to the end. This story will keep one guessing as you turn the pages to see what is coming next for Carly as she is now having her car towed, finding a job as a waitress...having to get a room at a motel...and, oh yeah, then she hears fighting and then witnessing a young boy being killed. I will stop here and say that is only some of what happens in this story of many twists and turns. Yes, there will be some good people in the read and some not so good, that will keep one attention as you continue through this 'whodunnit' read.

Overall, 'A Cry In The Dark' was a good story. There will be a series as the story continues with many characters from Drum, TN.

Inheritance The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 1 by Nora Roberts

 Book Excerpt:

"Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts—a tale of tragedies, loves found and lost, and a family haunted for generations.

1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya's unease and acknowledges that the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle's office and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as "the first lost bride." It's becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…"

Title:  Inheritance

Author:  Nora Roberts

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Series:  The Lost Bride Trilogy Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Inheritance"  by Nora Roberts

My Sentiments:

If you are looking for a fantastic read...' Inheritance' will give it to you and more. The characters... Sonya, Cleo, Winter, and the Ghosts were all off the chart, being so well-developed. This all happens when Sonya has a broken engagement, then a new newfound family comes out, and then on a journey that will uncover secrets about her father's estranged twin.  

Will Sonya be able to uncover the family mysteries along with this 'centuries-old curse and a good blend of romance?'  The reader will get a blend of the supernatural, an intriguing paranormal twist, and a curse from all of this.  

By the end...yes, we get a cliffhanger, so you will have to get books 2 and 3 to find out more...that is to come

from this good read.

Thank you to St Martin's Press for the ARC to read, enjoy, and honestly review.

Day: A Novel Kindle Edition by Michael Cunningham

 Book Excerpt:

"A "quietly stunning" (Ocean Vuong) exploration of love and loss, the struggles and limitations of family life—and how we all must learn to live together and apart—from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Hours 

"Along with George Eliot, Michael Cunningham belongs in that rare group of novelists who hold the world close, with apparently infinite respect, compassion, and tenderness, all while describing the world and its inhabitants unsparingly."—Tony Kushner.

April 5, 2019: In a cozy brownstone in Brooklyn, the veneer of domestic bliss is beginning to crack. Dan and Isabel, husband and wife, are slowly drifting apart—and both seem to be in love with Isabel's younger brother, Robbie. Robbie, the wayward soul of the family, who still lives in the attic loft; Robbie, who, trying to get over his most recent boyfriend, is living vicariously through a glamorous avatar online; Robbie, who now has to move out of the house—and whose departure threatens to break the family apart. And then there is Nathan, age ten, taking his first uncertain steps toward independence, while his sister, Violet, five, does her best not to notice the growing rift between her parents.

April 5, 2020: As the world goes into lockdown, the cozy brownstone is starting to feel more like a prison. Violet is terrified of leaving the windows open and obsessed with keeping her family safe. Isabel and Dan communicate mostly in veiled sleights and frustrated sighs. And dear Robbie is stranded in Iceland, alone in a mountain cabin with nothing but his thoughts—and his secret Instagram life—for company.

April 5, 2021: Emerging from the worst crisis, the family reckons with a new, very different reality—and with what they've learned, what they've lost, and how they might go on."

Title: Day: A Novel
Author: Michael Cunningham
Publisher: Random House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Day" by Michael Cunningham

My Sentiments:

'Day' was quite an engaging read in how this author brings out what was happening in this family during the pandemic [COVID] time for this family. The read described what was going on on April 5 [same day] during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 as it was for Dan, Isabel, Robbie, Nathan, and Violet. As one reads this story, you will get caught up in its domestic drama of love and this family from Brooklyn, NY. Be ready for a read of dysfunctional, messy, regular people who go on with their daily lives. What was honest about the read was that it showed what went on in their lives and could go on in ours, where their struggles seemed all too familiar. It was quite a read as one will see how this family will recover from all of this catastrophe over the years and now adjusting to the newness that has currently gone on in this melancholy stunning read of one day, three years, and one family.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my views.

The Wishing Bridge A Sparkling Christmas Novel by Viola Shipman

 Book Excerpt:

"With unabashed winter charm, The Wishing Bridge sparkles with the humor and heart fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Nancy Thayer, and Jenny Colgan love most.

Once the hottest mergers and acquisitions executive in the company, Henrietta Wegner can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When Henri's boss makes it clear she'll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner's—their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store—to a massive, soulless corporation. It's the kind of deal cool corporate Henri has built her career on.

Home for the holidays typically means a perfunctory twenty-four-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner's offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She's running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the most tremendous success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life."

Title:  The Wishing Bridge

Author:  Viola Shipman

Publisher:  Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Wishing Bridge" by Viola Shipman

My Sentiments:

'The Wishing Bridge' was a good story with well-developed characters...from Bea, Sofie, Shep, Mouse, Finn, Clare, Ethan, the mom, dad, Hannah, and others l may have left out. This was a beautiful story of 'many decisions that may be changed, along with a father/daughter relationship with Christmas miracles and, among all, being able to learn essential things about how life can go for you.' Be ready for a beautiful storyline and romantic possibilities [old flame] in this sentimental Christmas read.  

What decision will Henrietta make that will affect her family this Christmas, and why is she doing this?  

We find Henri has left her hometown to take a corporate job after graduation. Now, her new boss is threatening to fire her, and that's when she promises him that she could get her dad to sell their iconic Christmas store to him or be fired. Wow, what a betrayal this will be to her parents! How will this turn out?   Be ready for a little bit of it all from 'Christmas, family traditions, dreams, decisions, childhood memories, aging parents, family business, corporate buyouts, best friends, family strength, forgiving oneself, secrets, second chances, dreams, self-worth, and so much more' that will give the readers a pretty exciting and intriguing read all the way to the end of this perfect Christmas read. The reader will get a good read that Henri will learn much more when she goes home and learns what family and friends are all about in this nostalgic Michigan town. By the way, what will be learned about 'The Wishing Bridge.'

This is where you will pick up this sound, heartwarming story to see how this author brings it out to the readers with an absolutely perfect ending.  

Also, there is a bonus novella...Christmas Angels which was a very heartful and beautiful story.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Grayson House for the opportunity to read this book.