HEAD ABOVE WATER by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, M/M

4****

Blurb: Cowboy Hazard Wagoner is happy working on the H and L ranch. It’s a great place to live and it’s his home. Hazard will do nothing to jeopardize that, even if he has had his eye on the handsome oldest son, Bryce, for a long time. Bryce Maverick has known he will take over the family ranch practically since the day he was born. Still, he longs for a life outside their small ranching community. But when his father becomes ill, responsibility and duty settle on his shoulders, and it doesn’t help that his younger brother isn’t pulling his weight. The one surprising bright spot is Hazard. Bryce and Hazard seem to realize their attraction at the same time and Bryce needs the support. Taking over the ranch is hard enough, but a severe dry spell threatens to force him to sell his cattle early and could put the entire operation in jeopardy. Finding a new water supply is key. And it’s Hazard who makes a longshot effort that could change everything for the ranch, as well as any future they might have.

Thoughts: Cowboys and romance – what’s not to like? In this one, Hazard works at the H & L ranch, handling the horses and stables. He’s not necessarily in the closet, but because of where he is, he does stay quiet about his preferences. Though he’s not quite as hidden as he thinks. Especially when the owner’s son, Bryce, makes a play. During all the issues that go with operating a ranch, esp. during a drought, Bryce and Hazard grow closer. And when Hazard comes up with a solution for some of their problems, it’s even better. This story comes with a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

SOFT SERVE SLEIGHING by Lena Gregory

Fiction, Cozy Mystery

4****

Blurb: With most of Eastern Long Island closed down for a blizzard, Danika Delaney and her friends are holed up in her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, with ice cream and hot chocolate. However, their plans to wait out the storm in cozy company are interrupted when a popular YouTuber and her two companions show up at the door—they’ve been trapped by the storm, and Dani generously offers to serve them breakfast. But her generosity isn’t rewarded in kind, as the reviewer then tries to extort money from Dani in exchange for a good review! When the storm finally clears, Dani is happy to have seen the last of them. Or so she thought. Dani and her friends decide to go sleigh riding the morning after the storm clears, but instead of a winter wonderland, they find the extorting YouTuber…dead! To make matters worse, Dani suddenly finds herself accused of the woman’s murder. Intent on restoring her reputation, Dani sets out to prove she didn’t do it. This is one storm she’s not sure she can weather…

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. This is part of the “All-Day Café” series. The characters are well-done and continue to develop, but I have to say that Eli is my favorite character. Well, him and Uncle Jimmy. Danika and her friends are once again looking into a murder – and it’s a good think Dani has an alibi. The victim is as nasty as they come and it seems that nobody is sorry she’s gone, plus there are a lot of suspects. I will admit that I pretty much knew who the killer was early on, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the read. Danika’s family is great as are her friends. And Jake – the love interest – isn’t bad either.

Recommended.

Rekindling Her Heart by Virginia Barlow

Ascendant by Michael MIller

Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy

These were the books I enjoyed the most in January and February of 2024. Each weekend day, I will give you another set. I hope you like them as much as I did.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

Murder at North Pond by London Levett

A Cure for Spring Fever by Barbara Robinson

Heart-Healthy Cookbook for Beginners by Allison Chandler

CROSSWORD PUZZLES FOR BRAIN FITNESS: 90-DAY CHALLENGE TO SHARPEN THE MIND AND STRENGTHEN COGNITIVE SKILLS by Aimee Lucido & Matthew Stock

Nonfiction, Puzzles, Brain Health

5*****

Blurb: Boost your memory and broaden your knowledge with 90 days of easy-to-hard crossword puzzles! Looking for mental stimulation, hoping to ward off brain fog, or wanting an enjoyable way to expand your knowledge? Challenge yourself with Crossword Puzzles for Brain Fitness and test your mind with 90 days of crossword puzzles that progress from easy to hard—all while having fun! With helpful tips for getting unstuck and bonus puzzles to keep your good habit going, you’ll be amazed at the improvement in your recall, focus, and mental dexterity in just three short months.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book – though I will admit, I love doing crosswords to begin with. This book starts with easy ones and builds to harder ones. Though the title says 90-Days, there are actually 100 puzzles in the book – and an answer key in the back. And there’s a mixture of subjects so you can pick and choose. Plus there are hints at the beginning on how to do puzzles if you’re new to them. The biggest plus for me was the size. It’s large print so you don’t have to squint or squeeze your letters into tiny boxes. Overall, a really good crossword puzzle book.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

ONE QUESTION A DAY TO STAY CLOSE & CURIOUS by Gina Senarighi

Nonfiction, Self-help, Journaling, Couples

4****

Blurb: Couples who maintain a sense of fascination about one another report longer relationships and more passionate connection. What’s more, couples who understand each other’s inner worlds fare better through life’s unexpected ups and downs. One Question a Day to Stay Close & Curious brings couples together to laugh, share, and explore who their partner is, what shaped them, and who they wish to become. A journal for all couples—married and unmarried, new and decades seasoned—the questions here will bring you together for conversations to support a lifetime of love.

Thoughts: This is a really good book except for one thing – I don’t know many men who would do this. But if you were to use this in conjunction with marriage or couples counseling, I think it would be amazing.

That being said, I’m going to use this as a personal journal. And suggest to others who do journaling to do the same, whether or not you use it as a couples workbook. The questions are insightful and make you look deeper into yourself (and your partner if done together) and maybe learn a thing or two.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

A CHRISTMAS STORM by D. V. Stone

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Novella (72 pages)

5*****

Blurb: In the spirit of Dickens, a delightfully sweet holiday story about family love and the opportunity for second chances. An early storm is brewing in Upstate New York, and military wife Lacey Prescott is caught unprepared when it turns into a blizzard. Defeated by her own lack of preparation and the recall of her husband’s Christmas holiday leave, her joy in the season is replaced by bitterness and anger. In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Matthew Prescott’s leave is reinstated. But the journey home is not an easy one since a Nor’easter stands between him and his family. Amidst the storm’s fury, Lacey gets a glimpse of the past, present, and possible future, while Matt gets assistance from a mysterious stranger. In a heartwarming story of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, the possibility of a Christmas reunion brings a sense of hope with a message of love and support from friends and family that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.

Thoughts: I loved this story. The characters, the setting, problems… all put together in a sweet little holiday read. The setting – New England in the midst of a heavy snowstorm – and all the issues that brings with it (lack of power, heavy snow, etc.). Missing military family that’s deployed overseas. All these add up to a realistic background for the story.

Okay, so some of it was a bit trite – I knew who/what Albert was from the moment he sat down on the plane. But it was so cute. And the dreamscape with Lacey and her mother delving into her past, present, and future – strains of “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t still enjoy the story. D.V.  Stone never fails to give you a story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Definitely recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

LOGIC PUZZLES BOOK FOR BRAIN FITNESS by Lana Barnes

Nonfiction, Puzzles

4 1/2 ****

Blurb: 90-Day Challenge to Sharpen the Mind and Strengthen Cognitive Skills Enlarged Print, Easy to Hard!

Thoughts: I love puzzle books. Unfortunately, the publisher sent me this one as an ebook – and it definitely does not work as an ebook. I strongly suggest you buy this book – but as a paperback one and not as a download.

Now, that being said, the few puzzles I was actually able to do were fun and well done. There are levels from easy to medium to hard with an extra section that is a mix. And, yes, there are answer keys at the back of the book. The puzzles include logic grids (for logic and reasoning), sudoku (numbers), Calcudoku (numbers and problem solving), Battleship (logical deduction, reasoning, spacial deduction), Kakuro (methodical thinking), and Masyu (visual intelligence).

Highly recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

THE NATURALIST SOCIETY by Carrie Vaughn

Fiction, Historical Romance, Paranormal

3***

Blurb: In this magical tale of self-discovery from New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn, a young widow taps into the power that will change the world—if the man’s world she lives in doesn’t destroy her and her newfound friends first. In the summer of 1880, the death of Beth Stanley’s husband puts her life’s work in jeopardy. The magic of Arcane Taxonomy dictates that every natural thing in the world, from weather to animals, can be labeled, and doing so grants the practitioner some of that subject’s unique power. But only men are permitted to train in this philosophy. Losing her husband means that Beth loses the name they put on her work—and any influence she might have wielded. Brandon West and Anton Torrance are campaigning for their expedition to the South Pole, a mission that some believe could make a taxonomist all-powerful by tapping into the earth’s magnetic forces. Their late friend Harry Stanley’s knowledge and connections would have been instrumental, but when they attempt to take custody of his work, they find that it was never his at all. Tied together by this secret and its implications, Beth, Bran, and Anton must find a way for Beth to use her talent for the good of the world, before she’s discovered by those who would lay claim to her rare potential—and her very freedom.

Thoughts: I really wanted to like this story more than I did. This author is a particular favorite of mine, but this wasn’t like other books of hers that I’ve read. It wasn’t a bad story – rather quite fanciful. And I will admit that at times, I felt like stopping – but I’m glad I read on as the ending was worth the read. I just wish something nasty had happened to one particular character (not naming names here).

I liked Beth and her “gumption” – even as it led to her imprisonment in a sanitarium thanks to her family and a rival. But it was that gumption that served her well as she escaped. She was a woman of intelligence—and Arcane abilities (magic), an accepted practice in this universe, though not for women. Her husband used her skills to forward his fame and after his death, her family took her over. But she had two male friends who helped her and became her lovers as they were to each other. And yes, there was a threesome going on here.

So, recommendations – I honestly can’t say I’d ever read something like this again. Parts of it were entertaining, but a lot of it was slogging through stuff that seemed to have nothing to do with the story other than to give background to historical characters in this Arcane universe. There was obviously a lot of research done into ornithology and taxonomy as the characters were naturalists.

Thus – I recommend the book as one that might appeal to historical romance readers with an interest in birds.