Currently Reading: Weapons of Remorse

Thank you!

Just a brief thank you to my readers. I just want to take a moment to let you know that I've not stopped reviewing books. I have taken on a job that takes up more time then any job I've ever had. Its put a slow down on the amount of books I can currently accept. I used to have 5-10 books ready to read and review at any given time. Now, to be fair to my authors requests, I'm only taking one at a time. Thank you for your patience. You can still send me an email at mmshealy@aol.com. If I have room, and you don't mind waiting a bit, please send your requests along. 

"Accidental Activist: Justice for The Groveland Four" by Josh Venkataraman and Barbara Venkataraman

A very interesting read. One of the authors, Josh, came upon the story of what was named “The Groveland Four.” Because of the fire it ignited in him, he took it upon himself to help find justice for their families.

I admire his drive and the fact he didn’t give up. There were dead ends and stone walls at many turns. That didn’t stop him. By publishing this, he also has educated others, myself included, about a piece of history. This story was not known to me.

He tells you the methods he used to achieve the things he did. Is there something or an event you feel needs attention, and perhaps it’s own justice? I’d recommend this book as a way to get a feel for the things you might need to get started.

Definitely an informative and interesting education of facts. I’m glad the author was able to do something for the families of “The Groveland Four.” They deserved justice, but it was not an easy road. Briefly, "The Groveland Four" involved the awful treatment and outcome of four young black men accused of raping a white woman in 1949. The evidence was pretty clear that this had not taken place. Still they were beaten, arrested, convicted, attacked by mobs. Homes burned. It would be 70 years before their families would find justice.

The world should have more people like the young man who authored this book, and didn’t take no for an answer. Thank you for the informative read. 

Buy "Accidental Activist: Justice for The Groveland Four" now on Amazon: click here

"Please See Us" by Caitlin Mullen

                                                                                          

"Jane Doe #2 is newer- she's only been in the marsh for two days. If you got close enough you might still be able to smell the traces of her perfume on her skin or the scent of the last cigarette she smoked lingering in her hair. She is still that close to life, like a door she could almost walk back through. Jane Doe #1 has been here for two weeks now"...…..

Atlantic City. Once a haven for casinos and nightlife, it’s bright lights fading into the seedier side of the city. A tale told from the living and the dead.

There are dead bodies in the marsh behind the motel. They lay there waiting to be seen, begging to be seen. Needing to be found so that they may find their eternal peace.

Clara is a psychic, operating along the boardwalk. Clara is barely hanging on, and not overly gifted. Lily is back in her hometown, dissatisfied with her life and herself. She’s come home to start over. When Clara and Lily form a odd friendship, it could take them to dark places.

When a relative of one of the dead girls asks Clara for a reading, things take a turn for her. Her inner sight begins to strengthen, and gives her some unsettling pictures in her head. If she can just sort them out and make sense of them.

The story was riveting from the start. A resemblance to true crime made the story more eerie. The characters felt real, surrounded by the whispers of the dead. The women are there and you can feel them pleading to "Please See Us."

Thank you Caitlin Mullen, Netgalley, Gallery, Pocket Books. 

Buy "Please See Us" on Amazon: Coming March 3, 2020

"Darling Rose Gold" A Novel by Stephanie Wrobel

"My daughter should never have been left to fend for herself. A few years without me, and she winds up pregnant and abandoned. Our neighbors can grouse all they want about my controlling ways, my dubious mothering. But they don't understand how much she needs me, how lucky she is to have me here to run her life for her. I'll right this sinking ship in no time."

Patty abused her child from the beginning. Making her sick, taking advantage of her innocence, and a child’s love for their parent. Years go by and finally Patty is arrested for the abuse of her daughter, Rose Gold. Can Rose ever forgive her mother? Prison changes people. Not just Patty, but Rose as well.

The town is shocked that Rose would take her mother in when she leaves prison. Is there a secret reason these two are together again? Maybe they can move on from the past. Everyone is watching, including Rose's co-workers, the neighbors, old friends, even strangers at the grocery store.

Shocking, but with traces of familiarity to real cases in the news, mothers guilty of “Munchausen by Proxy.” Rose has suffered in ways that changes her view of the world. It changes the way most people would deal with everyday situations. Now that Rose is grown, how does she see this childhood?

A carefully planned twist that makes the story even more disturbing. Patty and Rose will find their lives changed forever. I found the book a fascinating read. As a parent, shocked by the behavior of a mother. Even though this book is a work of fiction, there are far too many real cases that have occurred. A riveting read you'll find hard to put down.

Thank you Stephanie Wrobel, Netgalley, and Berkley Publishing Group
#michellesbookends #netgalley #berkleypublishinggroup #darlingrosegold 

On sale March 17, 2020 at Amazon: click here!

"HER" a novel by Britney King

Buy "HER" a novel: on Amazon: click here!


“It’s a shame we feel the need to know every little thing. Because, and this is where I’d like to warn you, knowing every little thing is dangerous. Knowing every little thing is like asking for a cup of poison and drinking one tiny sip at a time. It will kill you slowly. But it kills you nonetheless.”

Ann is the perfect neighbor. Fabulous and popular, everyone likes Anne. She’s written a self help book. Ann throws great dinner parties and everyone wants to be her friend.

Sadie lives in the same neighborhood. Unfortunately for her, her life isn’t going along very well. Her husband left her, she’s lost her motivation.

Ann and Sadie meet. Ann takes her under her wing, and tries to get Sadie on track. The relationship is odd, and slightly overwhelming for both of them. Then there’s the little matter of people they know dropping dead. Sadie is so jealous of Ann and her life, would she kill to keep Anne to herself? Or were the deaths just a coincidence?

A twisted kind of stalker tale. Crazy storyline you won’t be able to put down. Sadie is so relatable. Everyone hits a low point in their life. Who better than to have a self help author as your friend?

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. My first time reading this author. I got interested in her books through a book email signup. You just never know where you’ll find a great author with a great book. I’ll be looking to read more from this writer.

Thank you Britney King

"San Diego Dead" A Jake Wolfe Novel by Mark Nolan

Buy "San Diego Dead" now on Amazon: click here!

"However, it broke her heart to think the choice was being pressured by her boyfriend's double life. Of all the men she could have fallen for, why did it have to be Jake, a man with a dangerous past and deadly enemies who continued to hunt him down and might never stop?"...….

Jake and his military service dog, Cody, are back in the 4th book in Jake Wolfe series. This is one of my all time favorite series. These are stand alone reads, but you won’t be sorry to read them all.

Marine first, and now a lawyer, Jake has a few other secretive things that go on with the government. With Cody by his side, Jake heads off on a mission with a much needed vacation mixed in. The relaxation won’t last long when a run in with the local cartel puts people in danger. Desperate to get their missing package back, Jake will do whatever it takes to stop them.

This time Jake will have to depend on Cody more than ever. These characters are so well written. If there’s a dog as smart as Cody somewhere, I’d really like to have him. Vacation ruined, Jake does what he does best, protecting and serving his country. If Jake doesn’t get the package before the cartel, thousands of lives will be at stake.

This is not a quiet man and his dog story. This is a fully trained killer taking out bad guys with Cody by his side. Fast paced, exciting, with a little love on the side from Sarah, Cody’s Veterinarian. At times I’m unsure who she loves the most. Jake may want to get his life together pretty quick. Sarah is unsure of her place in it. Is it a mission, or is it the vacation he’s supposed to be taking with Sarah? Packed with action, suspense, and any book is better with a dog, especially one like Cody. 

Thank you Mark Nolan

"Big Lies In A Small Town" by Diane Chamberlain

Buy "Big Lies In A Small Town" on Amazon- Jan 14 2020: click here!


"This mural was supposed to be for the Edenton Post Office. But Anna Dale went crazy or something-I can't remember exactly what my father told me. She lost her mind while she was working on it, thus the finished product was never installed. My father's owned it for decades and he wants-wanted- to hang it in the foyer of the gallery."

In 1940 a young woman wins an art contest. Anna leaves New Jersey for a small North Carolina town, in order to paint a mural on a post office wall. What she finds will not be what she expected.

Now it’s 2018 and someone has come to the states woman’s prison to offer Morgan a deal. She can leave her prison sentence behind if she agrees to restore that mural for a late well known artist.

The story is told between Anna, and what she encountered during her time in Edenton, N.C., and Morgan’s current work on the mural. What Morgan does uncover, as she restores Anna’s mural, is a story covered up by lies, secrets of the past of this small town.

"Anna Dale, though...She'd been excited by the mural. She'd wanted to do a perfect job. Her heart had been in it then something happened. It must have been something truly terrible to turn this pretty girl into...what? A mentally ill artist who mysteriously vanished from the art world?"


What happened to Anna back in 1940? What will happen to Morgan when she discovers the truth? Why did the late famous artist, Jesse Williams, choose her of all people for this job? She was in art school when her life derailed, but not qualified in restoration. Morgan is on a deadline to have that mural restored. The pressure of having to meet the deadline is so strong. Much is at stake here.

I found the story captivating from the first chapter. With a few wonderful surprises written seamlessly into the story line. Unique weave of the past and the present. I loved the characters of both Anna and Morgan. Two strong women from different times. The book was better than I expected, which is always a wonderful thing.


Thank you Diane Chamberlain, Netgalley, and St. Martins Press 
#netgalley #bigliesinasmalltown #dianechamberlain #st.martinspress

"No Longer Flighty Fanny" by Jessica Spencer

Buy "No Longer Flighty Fanny" on Amazon: click here

"She fanned her anger. It became her shield and her strength. She blamed her mother for not bothering to caution her about the dangers that could befall a girl. She blamed her father for turning a blind eye and letting her gad about on her own. None of what happened was her fault! It was her parents and her sanctimonious sisters who were to blame! She took much better care of the strays she picked up."

This is the third book in the “Sisters by Marriage” series. I have enjoyed this change of pace from my regular genre of serial killers and the police who chase them. These are called “Clean Regency Romance” Books. There’s plenty of drama and family entanglements. Relationships are built and destroyed, as in any time of life. The books may be read in any order, and are clearly understandable from one to the next.

This story leads with a young girl named Fanny. Her home life is hard, and she seeks escape where she can. Unfortunately at a young age she was taken advantage of, and it will continue to damage her life. One of several evil men refuse to go away, and takes it upon themselves to ruin her reputation. Denying her any chance at happiness.

Fanny has found love, Andrew. Unfortunately Andrew gives into the rumors, and Fanny is forced to return to her family. There her father intervenes forcing her into an arraigned marriage. Andrew, heartbroken, also tries to come to terms with it. He sails away from London to Boston.

Circumstances change when Fanny becomes a widow, and Andrew decides to pursue Fanny once again. Does she still love him? He knows he was wrong. Andrew is going back to London to find out where they stand. Rumors persist and the damage has long followed her. Can she open her heart?

A very pleasant read. A step back in time.

Thank you Jessica Spencer

"A Stranger on the Beach" by Michele Campbell

Buy "A Stranger on the Beach" on Amazon July 23rd: click here


"The night after I first saw Aiden on the beach, my twenty year marriage fell apart. I swear to God, nothing had one thing to do with the other. It was a total freaking coincidence, the worst coincidence of my life."...….

Caroline and Jason have built a beautiful beach house. Wanting to show it off, and mix business with pleasure. Caroline is hoping to give her career as a designer a restart. Jason’s not necessarily as committed to their twenty year marriage as Caroline.

Then he appears. Aiden. “A Stranger on the Beach,” just outside their new home. Is it a coincidence that Aiden comes into Caroline’s life at the same time as her life comes crashing down? As Aiden slides into Caroline’s life, he has no intentions of giving up what he sees as having hit the jackpot. A rich, lovely, beautiful woman. What’s not to love? The chip on his shoulder is going to be a heavy weight to bare.

Caroline may realize just how many mistakes she’s making with her choices, and Aiden. Allowing a stranger into her life may be regrettable. Not everyone has her best interests at heart. Her marriage isn’t something she just wants to throw away. Her judgment is clouded by heartbreak. If she does want her husband back, Aiden may have other plans.

The one night stand, told by both Caroline and Aiden, proves they are not on the save wavelength at all. It was pretty unnerving for Caroline. It could drive Aiden over the edge of a thin line he already walks. Their encounters are uncomfortable, even for the reader. You want to yell at them to get away from each other.

Someone may end up dead and someone has secrets. Maybe no one is telling the whole truth. It became a little predictable early on. It was still a suspenseful story from start to finish.

Thank you Michele Campbell, Netgalley, St. Martins Press