Tour Review - - Over the Sea to Skye

Over the Sea to Skye

by Sue Moorcroft

The Skye Sisters Trilogy - Book 3

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

One summer on a beautiful island could change everything…

Valentina Taylor's life has been upended. With her marriage over, and unsure of what her future holds, she heads to the Isle of Skye for the summer with her young son, Barnaby.

But the journey there sets her on a new path, when she meets Xander Courage on the train – a charming American, running from problems of his own. After sparks fly, they go their separate ways. But on this small island, they’re never far from one another…

Skye offers Valentina the refuge she needs as she whiles away the long summer days at her beachside cottage, enjoying visits from her sisters, Thea and Ezzie. But when bad news from home throws her Scottish idyll into turmoil, Valentina finds herself pulled away from the place – and people – that she loves.

Valentina knows she must confront her heart’s desires – but can she let go of the past and embrace the future she deserves?

PJ's Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books in Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy. Moorcroft has done a superb job of immersing me not only into the lives of Thea, Ezzie, and Valentina but also the beautiful Isle of Skye. As with books one and two, the first thing I wanted to do upon turning the final page of Valentina's book was book a flight to Scotland. This author always manages to do that to me, wherever her books are set. 

Moorcroft kept me on my toes with this story. With more than a few twists, I wasn't sure how it would all work out but was happy with the way it did. I enjoyed the multiple relationships explored throughout the story - from Xander's relationship with his teenage nephew to the familial relationships among Valentina, her sisters and their partners, to the fraught one between Valentina and her soon to be ex-husband, not to mention his family and girlfriend. Then there is the simmering romantic potential between Valentina and Xander. With her in Scotland and Xander from the U.S., can it ever be more than just a summer romance? There's also awkwardness and second thoughts between adopted Valentina and the biological family member she's just discovered. I appreciated the author's skill in seamlessly weaving them all together organically while keeping the progression realistic and relatable. 

Over the Sea to Skye is a humorous, heart-tugging, emotional journey from heartbreak to happiness that brings Sue Moorcroft's The Skye Sisters Trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. It can be read as a standalone but, for me, was much more enjoyable for having read the three books in order. 

Review & Giveaway - How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story: A Novel

by Yulin Kuang

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Helen Zhang hasn’t seen Grant Shepard once in the thirteen years since the tragic accident that bound their lives together forever.

Now a bestselling author, Helen pours everything into her career. She’s even scored a coveted spot in the writers’ room of the TV adaptation of her popular young adult novels, and if she can hide her imposter syndrome and overcome her writer’s block, surely the rest of her life will fall into place too. LA is the fresh start she needs. After all, no one knows her there. Except…

Grant has done everything in his power to move on from the past, including building a life across the country. And while the panic attacks have never quite gone away, he’s well liked around town as a screenwriter. He knows he shouldn’t have taken the job on Helen’s show, but it will open doors to developing his own projects that he just can’t pass up.

Grant’s exactly as Helen remembers him—charming, funny, popular, and lovable in ways that she’s never been. And Helen’s exactly as Grant remembers too—brilliant, beautiful, closed off. But working together is messy, and electrifying, and Helen’s parents, who have never forgiven Grant, have no idea he’s in the picture at all.

When secrets come to light, they must reckon with the fact that theirs was never meant to be any kind of love story. And yet… the key to making peace with their past—and themselves—might just lie in holding on to each other in the present.

PJ's Thoughts:

If you enjoy angsty, emotional, complex, character-driven, contemporary stories that draw you in and refuse to let go, How to End a Love Story is a book you'll want to read. I'm still thinking about these characters and I have a feeling I'll continue to do so for some time to come.

Based on the cover, title, and blurb, I really had no idea what to expect from this book other than it sounded interesting. What I found was a fascinating character study, compelling journey, and unexpected romance that kept me flipping pages well into the night. Shocking prologue aside, once the present-day story began it took a while for me to become invested in the main characters. And yet, even though I felt a bit disconnected, especially from Helen, I couldn't turn away from her either. Kuang's writing kept me tethered to the story as she slowly began to reveal layers of both Helen and Grant, two complex, multi-layered characters with one very complicated past. By the time I reached the midway point of the book, I was fully invested with no idea how Helen and Grant would ever overcome the obstacles keeping them apart or if being together was even a possibility. 

In addition to the romance (and it is a romance), this book also takes readers behind the scenes into the writing room and production of the television series being adapted from Helen's books. As a television screenwriter and director herself, Kuang brought authenticity to this facet of the book, immersing me in the atmosphere and process of actual television production. It was like having a seat at the writer's table and being a guest on set. 

The author tackled some difficult, possibly triggering, topics in this book including family death and suicide. It's the first book I've read where the author explores the fallout from a death on both the surviving family as well as the surviving person who is blamed for the death. Factor in cultural expectations, complicated family dynamics, love, and guilt, as well as unexpected, enemies-to-lovers romance and you have a cauldron of emotions waiting to bubble over. It's an emotional roller coaster for both the characters and the reader but necessary for the growth, forgiveness, and healing that have been waiting in the wings for thirteen years. 

I'll be looking for more from this talented debut author. 

~~~~~~~~~

Tell me about the last book you read that had your emotions bubbling over.

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 2 will receive a print copy of How to End a Love Story.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - A Christmas to Remember

A Christmas to Remember

by Beverly Jenkins

A Blessings Novel

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi “Mal” July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they’re finally ready to say “I do.”

Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing, and families both local and extended begin to gather for the festivities, that long awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything.

But Mal and Bernadine’s relationship isn’t the only one being tested.

Preston Mays aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad’s family ease his pain?

Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town’s charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one.

And then there’s former mayor Riley Curry who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There’s always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.

Santa Says:

There is one word that encompasses A Christmas To Remember by Beverly Jenkins and that word is JOY. It’s not just because Christmas is in its title. It is because, as we once again drive into Henry Adams, Kansas, we are welcomed into a town where everyone is important to the very fabric of this town. It is a warm hug and cup of cocoa from the first page to the last.

A Christmas to Remember is the eleventh book in Ms. Jenkins' Blessings series. This book focuses on the impending nuptials of town benefactress Bernadine Brown and native son Mal July. These two have had some trials but are stronger and more in love than ever. They plan to share the rest of their lives and even though set in their own ways they are willing to create their own lives. It is great fun to see friends and neighbors far and wide coming together on Christmas Day to celebrate this couple.  See? Joy!

Young love and new love also have their stories here. Preston and Leah must work through their issues as they prepare to graduate and start their young adult journeys. Will they remain a couple or suffer heartache? Get ready to cheer for these two extraordinary young people. 

Even Reverend Paula Grant must allow herself some joy in this season. She selflessly looks out for her congregants without filling her own well. It takes the arrival of a handsome, caring newcomer Thornton Webb to perhaps start to let her guard down. Thornton has decided to make a fresh start and make Henry Adams his new home. He will be owning and operating his own restaurant. Here, too, joy is on the menu.

Treat yourself to this five star book. I highly recommend this series and, really, anything Beverly Jenkins puts her name to. A Christmas To Remember is one to be treasured. Grab yourself some joy!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Santa! I'm a huge fan of Beverly Jenkins and eager to read this newest tale from Henry Adams.

Readers, have you read any books by Beverly Jenkins yet?

What brings you joy this time of year?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 1 will receive a hardcover copy of A Christmas to Remember.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Avon Books for the giveaway!

Review & Giveaway - - Witch of Wild Things

Witch of Wild Things

by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.
 
Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.

What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.

With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is an interesting story about coming home, dysfunctional family, forgiveness, sisters, romance, and finding one's self. And if that isn't enough, there's a bit of a mystery as well as some very intriguing magical realism. 

The characters are well developed, drawing me into the story almost immediately and eliciting a variety of emotions. There are a lot of layers to sift through for more than one of them, especially within Sage's family. It's never easy coming home and the circumstances of Sage's departure and return make it less so. A boring reunion, this is not! 

I enjoyed the AOL instant messenger flashbacks between Tenn and Sage. It was a clever and effective way to dig into some of those layers (of both characters) and give readers a more complete understanding of their personalities, motivation, and feelings both past and present. 

Overall, the story moves at a steady pace and maintained my interest with a good balance of humor, character evolution, conflict, and emotional depth. Parts of the magical realism are easy to buy into while others require significant suspension of disbelief (I have many questions). It has me wondering if Gilliland is planning more books for this family. 

If you enjoy coming of age novels with magical realism, family dysfunction, and a touch of romance, give this one a try. It's an intriguing read. 

Do you enjoy books with magical realism?

Sage's gift is the ability to communicate with plants. What magical gift would you choose for yourself?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 16 will receive a print copy of Witch of Wild Things. 

*U.S. Only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove

by Karen Hawkins

Dove Pond Series - Book 3

Publisher: Gallery Books

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Three lives converge as a wildly talented baker returns to Dove Pond to face her past in this entry in the charming series that proves that sometimes miracles really do happen...

Ella Dove is an acclaimed baker whose desserts spark vivid, cherished memories in those who taste them. A restless soul, Ella goes wherever the wind takes her—but driven by a haunting dream, she’s coming home to Dove Pond. Years ago, her mentor, Angela Stewart Harrington, falsely accused Ella of stealing her beloved family recipe book, known as the Book of Cakes. Now, Ella believes it’s time for them to reconcile.

Angela has her own share of amends to make. Her daughter Jules has never forgiven her for divorcing her father, and they’ve been estranged ever since. But just as Angela begins to hope that she and Jules might mend their tattered relationship, a miscommunication turns into a lie that could destroy everything.

Meanwhile, Jules’s son Gray is shocked that Ella, his first love and his first heartbreak, has returned to Dove Pond. But even though he knows Ella is a wanderer and will soon leave, he’s unable to stop himself from falling for her once again. Can Gray find a way to convince Ella to give him, and their town, a serious chance? Or is he once again on the road to a broken heart?

With so much at stake, Ella, Angela, and Gray must learn to accept each other—flaws and all—forgive the many mistakes of their pasts, and trust that love can, and will, always find a way. For fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen, The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a delicious and magical read that will warm your heart and charm your senses.

PJ's Thoughts:

Once again, Karen Hawkins quickly swept me into all the ups and downs of life in Dove Pond, and within the Dove family, holding me there, happily flipping pages to discover what would happen next, until the very end.

These books are character driven and oh, what flawed, complex, delightfully complicated characters they are. Do I like them? Do I despise them? Do they make me laugh? Cry? Cheer for them or want to toss them off a cliff? Yes, to all of the above. Hawkins' characters are realistic. They're relatable. They embody emotions - and issues - many of us face in our daily lives. They're also quirky, sometimes devious, beautifully developed by the author, and always entertaining. 

I love Hawkins' sense of humor which is on full display in this book, especially in the scenes featuring Angela. Her interactions with both Ella and with Gray had me frequently chuckling and often laughing out loud while those with her daughter brought a depth of emotion that gave substance, tension, and hope to a fraught relationship. 

There are so many layers to Ella and Gray. I enjoyed their second chance at romance. While not the primary focus of this book, it holds a fair amount of weight in the overall story, especially as it relates to Ella's personal evolution, and comes with a happy ending. I appreciate that Hawkins devoted time to each character's issues and their individual growth as well as the slow progression into becoming a romantic couple. By the end of the book, I was firmly in their corner. And, bonus! Who knew Gray would come with a Highland Coo calf who is most definitely "Adorbs." I can't wait to see more of these three in future books (hopefully).

I've been reading Karen Hawkins for a long time. Her Scottish historical romances are among my favorites but this new contemporary fiction series with romantic elements, family dynamics, and a touch of magical realism is hitting all of my happy spots. Hawkins' Dove Pond stories touch my heart, tickle my funny bone, and leave me eager for more. I highly recommend this book and this series.

Review & Giveaway - - The Enchanted Hacienda

The Enchanted Hacienda

by J.C. Cervantes

Publisher: Park Row

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

When there’s magic all around you, the possibilities are endless…

When Harlow Estrada is abruptly fired from her dream job and her boyfriend proves to be a jerk, her world turns upside down. She flees New York City to the one place she can always call home—the enchanted Hacienda Estrada.

The Estrada family farm in Mexico houses an abundance of charmed flowers cultivated by Harlow’s mother, sisters, aunt, and cousins. By harnessing the magic in these flowers, they can heal hearts, erase memories, interpret dreams—but not Harlow. So when her mother and aunt give her a special task involving the family’s magic, she panics. How can she rise to the occasion when she is magicless? But maybe it’s not magic she’s missing, but belief in herself. When she finally embraces her unique gifts and opens her heart to a handsome stranger, she discovers she’s far more powerful than she imagined.

With unforeseen twists, romance, and a heavy sprinkle of magic, The Enchanted Hacienda is a captivating coming-of-age debut exploring identity, unconditional family love, and uncovering the magic within us all.

PJ's Thoughts:

This story is, in a word, enchanting. Other words also come to mind: immersive, uplifting, magical, welcoming, all-encompassing, romantic, transformative. I lost myself completely in these characters and their story, especially Harlow. I'm firmly convinced the Hacienda Estrada is in full bloom south of the border. J.C. Cervantes brought it, and her characters, vividly to life with exquisitely detailed descriptions that encouraged layers of visceral feelings within me to the surface. This was not just a reading; it was an experience. 

Reading this coming-of-age story also brought home the fact that there is no age limit to people discovering, exploring and accepting their individual truths. I loved watching the gradual flowering of Harlow, nurtured by the unconditional love and support of her family and best friend, as she slowly opened her heart to love and herself to unanticipated possibilities. It was joyous, empowering, and not without pain along the way. But as the goddess whispers to Harlow in her darkest hour, "There is magic in heartbreak. Because every transformation begins here." The transformation of Harlow, of Ben, and of their love was one that broke my heart before putting the pieces back together, stronger than before. The romance is strong in this book, intertwining with Harlow's individual growth to achieve a satisfying balance between one person's coming-of-age journey and one couple's journey to a hard-won happily ever after. 

There is also magic in the words of Cervantes. Every word, every thought, every touch is well thought out and essential to the overall story as well as the evolution of its characters. Each character, whether primary or secondary, has a vital role to play in Harlow's awakening. Each one stirred something elemental within me. I could write at least three more paragraphs about the impact of these characters on Harlow's life - and on me - but that is something that should be experienced first hand by each reader. 

This book is Cervantes' adult fiction debut, one that has landed her solidly on my must-buy list. I don't know if there are more Estrada family books planned but I really hope that there are. I'm nowhere close to being ready to say good-bye to this family or to the other Estrada women begging for their stories to be told. 

I've read The Enchanted Hacienda twice. I loved it the first time through. I loved it even more the second. I am confident that I will return to it again and again, whenever I need a comforting reminder to believe in myself, in love, and in the magic that surrounds us all...if only we believe. 

This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. It's one of my favorite books I've read so far this year and has earned a place on my Best of 2023 watch list. 

~~~~~~~~

Do you enjoy magical elements in the books you read?

Have you watched the movie, Encanto? This book mirrors the joy, warmth, and complexity that touched my soul while watching that film. Many times. ;-)

Each of the women in the Estrada family has a magical power that is tied closely to a flower. What magical power would you choose to have, if any, and what flower would you want it to be tied to? 

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, May 18 will receive a hardback copy of The Enchanted Hacienda. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Many thanks to Park Row Books for their generous donation of today's giveaway. 

Review - - Coming Home to the Highlands

Coming Home to the Highlands

by Lisa Hobman

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Sometimes life is full of surprises, especially when you least expect them…

Born into the Scottish Clan MacBain and the 17th century ancestral home, Drumblair Castle, Liv MacBain has always dreamt of
leaving the ancient homestead and becoming her own person in the world of fashion.

From a young age, she worshipped the trailblazing designs of the haute couture glitterati, hoping one day to join them.

With older brother Kerr, the rightful heir, Liv has been free to spread her wings.

Fast forward. Liv, is now 28 years old, working at a high-end fashion house and living her dream life in New York. She’s
never been happier.

Until everything changes with one devastating phone call from her brother, Kerr, that brings her rushing back to
Scotland.

Old friends and adversaries resurface and Liv faces a difficult decision that could mean her dream future can no longer be
a reality.

Or can you have your castle and your career?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've read other books by Lisa Hobman and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to this one. The premise is intriguing and who doesn't love a Scottish castle, right? Unfortunately, this one fell a little short of my expectations. That's not to say I didn't like it. I did. But I really wanted to love it. 

The setting of the book is wonderful. Hobman really brings Liv's family's castle to life. I could easily envision both the castle and the grounds as I was reading. The characters are also brought to life, some very appealing and others not so much. The author gives several of them interesting layers, complex life issues, and secrets. In fact, she uses them to introduce some very weighty and relatable topics, begging to be explored more fully, and with one character, an issue that isn't talked about enough (in my opinion). 

The biggest fly in the ointment for me was Liv's brother, Kerr. He's a self-centered, entitled, egomaniacal jerk who treats his sister with careless disregard at his best and outright cruelty at his worst. This goes on for the vast majority of the book until there's an inexplicable change - an abrupt, unexpected change of course that I didn't buy for a moment. It felt contrived and unrealistic and didn't leave me with the feel-good moment I'm pretty sure the author was hoping for. 

I liked Liv. My heart ached for her - for the grief that was breaking her heart, the tug of war between her loyalty to family and her passion for her career. I loved her relationships with her childhood pals in Scotland, her roommate in NYC, her mother's dog, and her boss. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a boss like Liv's. I was cheering for her to find her happy ending even while shaking my head at the choices she made in direct opposition to what she had always adamantly said she wanted. And for an intelligent woman, how did she not clue in to what was so glaringly obvious? 

The book ends on a high note with a happy ending for more than one couple. But I still don't trust Liv's brother. 

CW: Parental death, grief, domestic violence (off page)

Review - - A Wish for Winter

A Wish for Winter

by Viola Shipman

Publisher: Graydon House

Release Date: November 15, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Despite losing her parents in a tragic accident just before her fourteenth Christmas, Susan Norcross has had it better than most, with loving grandparents to raise her and a gang of quirky, devoted friends to support her. Now a successful bookstore owner in a tight-knit Michigan lakeside community, Susan is facing down forty—the same age as her mother when she died—and she can’t help but see everything she hasn’t achieved, including finding a love match of her own. To add to the pressure, everyone in her small town believes it’s Susan’s destiny to meet and marry a man dressed as Santa, just like her mother and grandmother before her. So it seems cosmically unfair that the man she makes an instant connection with at an annual Santa Run is lost in the crowd before she can get his name.

What follows is Susan and her friends’ hilarious and heartwarming search for the mystery Santa—covering twelve months of social media snafus, authors behaving badly and dating fails—as well as a poignant look at family, friendship and what defines a well-lived and well-loved life.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Wish for Winter is a hopeful, heartwarming story of family, friendship, personal growth, and love. In many ways, it reads like a coming of age story even though the main protagonist is almost forty. I enjoyed Susan's journey. It's a leisurely, seasonal path that plays out over the course of an entire year. At times it felt a bit repetitive and sluggish, leaving me wishing either the story would speed up or the time frame be condensed. But I have to admit that when I reached the end of the book, I was glad the author had taken his time with these characters. There are no quick fixes, no miraculous recoveries. Susan needs each of those seasons and the personal growth they bring to achieve the clarity, healing, and happiness she seeks.

There's plenty of humor in Susan's dating adventures but Shipman nicely balances that with a depth of emotion that tugged at my heart. Her grandparents are the kind we all wish we had, her friends have her back, always, and her community wants only the best for her. Plus, she runs a bookshop! Her numerous Santa dates bring a few duds, a few new friends, and the possibility of one who is destined to jingle her bells for a lifetime.

As much as A Wish for Winter is about Susan and her family and friends, it's also very much a love letter to its setting. I grew up in Michigan and this book filled me with joyful memories of the pleasures to found there in all four seasons. It evoked the fun of summer boating on the lake, the majestic, colorful display of autumn leaves, the floral reawakening of spring, the beautiful, almost spiritual reverence of that first, silent, pristine, snowfall of the season and much, much more. 

If you enjoy novels by Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr, and Sarah Morgan, you may want to give this book a try. It was my first Viola Shipman story. It won't be my last. 

Review & Giveaway - - In the Shadow Garden

In the Shadow Garden

by Liz Parker

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

There’s something magical about Yarrow, Kentucky. The three empathic witches of the Haywood family are known for their shadow garden—from strawberries that taste like chocolate to cherry tomatoes imbued with the flavors of basil and oregano. Their magic can cure any heartache, and the fruits of their garden bring a special quality to the local bourbon distillery. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon will make your worst memory disappear. But the Haywoods will never forget the Bonners’ bitter betrayal.

Twenty years ago, the town gave up more than one memory; they forgot an entire summer. One person died. One person disappeared. And no one has any recollection of either.

As events from that fateful summer start to come to light, there must be a reckoning between the rival Haywood and Bonner families. But untangling the deep roots of this town’s terrible secrets will expose more than they could ever imagine about love, treachery, and the true nature of their power.

PJ's Thoughts:

Magical realism is a tricky thing. In many books, I can enjoy the concept while being fully aware that it isn't real. But then there are those few, shall we say "magical," books where I willingly suspend disbelief, immersing myself in all the story has to offer, knowing logically that it's fiction but believing with everything in me that it's real. In the Shadow Garden is one of those books. 

Parker's writing is perfectly pitched, with a dreamy - almost mystical - quality that drew me in, kept me enthralled, and left me with the firm certainty that somewhere in Kentucky there is an actual Shadow Garden, in a small town shrouded in gloom, where grief is softened, traditions are revered, bourbon flows, and magical produce thrives under the gentle care of multiple generations of Haywood women.  

The characters are engaging, with interesting backs stories, tangled relationships, and more than a few obstacles ahead. I love that the story is told from different generational perspectives. It gives the reader views into the past and present, offering a more complete picture of events that led to current situations. The family dynamics, a key element of the story, are realistic and believable, not only between the Haywoods and Bonners but within each family as well, and volatile enough to keep me eagerly flipping pages to find out what was going to happen next. 

Nothing is as it seems as the author takes the characters, as well as the reader, along a twisted path laced with magical mysteries, unexpected revelations, betrayal, danger, and the possibility of love reclaimed. I was fully invested before I reached the end of Chapter One and read late into the night, finishing the book somewhere around 3:30 AM. Then, when I woke up the next morning, I went back and re-read my favorite parts, savoring the various nuances that were so expertly rendered. It's a book I can see myself reading again and again, probably each fall, a perfect time to lose myself in the murky, magical, mysteries of Yarrow, Kentucky.

In the Shadow Garden is Liz Parker's debut novel, a fact that I find difficult to believe. I was sure I was reading a book written by a well-seasoned author with numerous publications under her writing belt. I really hope she's a fast writer because I plan to buy every book she publishes...and I'm not getting any younger. ;-) 

 

Do you enjoy magical realism in books you read or movies you watch?

Do you have any favorite books/movies/TV shows that feature magic or witches?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 14 will receive a print copy of In the Shadow Garden.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited