Book Recommendation - I Think I was Murdered

 

Though Colleen Coble is a name I've known for a bit and have thoroughly enjoyed, I was introduced to Rick Acker earlier this year in their first collaborative work. I enjoyed that one so much, I immediately jumped at the chance to read this next one. Though I was somewhat disappointed that this was not part of the same series as their first collaboration, I was nonetheless excited for this book. Here's a bit about it:

A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to "talk" to him. And a message she never expected: "I think I was murdered."

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted and, as the company's legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has "talked" to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn't really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it's slowing her grief recovery, but she can't stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

I Think I Was Murdered:

Features a unique look at grief through the lens of technology
Deals with current topics and themes
Will appeal to fans of Ruth Ware, Laura Griffin, Laura Dave, and Sarah Pearse
Includes Discussion Questions

This is an interesting look at some of the modern technologies we're seeing in this day and age. Though it felt like a science-fiction story in some places, all of the technologies included are actual, which made it a tad bit scary instead! This book releases November 12th wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Colleen Coble's website: https://colleencoble.com/

Rick Acker's website: https://rickacker.com/

My full 4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6846164535

Book Recommendation - Mistletoe Season

 

During the holidays (which are fast coming up!), I enjoy diverting my reading to encompass Christmas reads. This year, several have come out prior to the holiday season and so I've started reading my Christmas stories early this year. Though I'm of a mind that it's never too early to think about Christmas! When I spotted this one with a story by Pepper Basham in it, I knew I needed to snag a copy for myself. And getting to read stories by 2 new-to-me authors? Just a bonus! These 3 stories had a bit of a Hallmark movie feel to them, which I adored and I enjoyed this early foray into the holiday season. Here's a bit about the book:

This Christmas, three couples find themselves under the mistletoe . . . whether they want to be there or not.

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts--Mistletoe is Hailey Fairchild's kryptonite. Every time she's kissed someone under the mistletoe it's led to love disaster. Not a good thing for a romance writer! When she was a gawky high school girl, her hunky neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team (and her dreams) kissed her under the mistletoe on a dare. But the kiss wasn't a dream come true. It was a mortifying moment she's never forgotten, and now she's about to go home for the holidays, unengaged and . . . determined to say no to mistletoe. Especially if Carwyn is anywhere around.

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller--Emmy Banks has always loved Christmas. How could she not when she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri? Kieran O'Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother's seventieth birthday. He reconnects with Emmy, his sister's close friend, and spends time with her in her charming antique shop. When the weather turns colder, things start to warm up between Emmy and Kieran. But can Emmy risk her heart when she knows he'll never stay in Mistletoe, and she will never leave?

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham--Prince Arran St. Clare has lost his freedom and fairytale life in exchange for a three-month "punishment" in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. To prove he is ready for the royal life for which he was born, Arran must engage in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. But when kindness, authenticity, and hard work prove more appreciated in Appalachia than a royal pedigree, Arran must face the mirror and find out who he is beyond the crown. Add a beautiful and intelligent woman who doesn't recognize her own worth, some mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic and it all might be enough to help the rebel-prince understand what truly matters most.

This book releases October 8, 2024 wherever books are sold. Be sure to check it out if you enjoy contemporary Christmas romance stories! For more information, check out the following links:

Sheila Roberts' website: https://sheilasplace.com/

Kathleen Fuller's website: https://kathleenfuller.com/

Pepper Basham's website: https://pepperdbasham.com/

My full 4-star review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6833860845

Book Recommendation - Specters in the Glass House

 

No one does creepy thrillers like Jaime Jo Wright. And so, every time she has a new book, I jump at the opportunity to read it! In addition to always having logical explanations for the ghastly apparitions (think Scooby Doo!), her stories always touch on a serious subject matter. Specters in the Glass House speaks to mental health. In addition to the creep factor, the mystery, and depth, there is also a solid faith thread that provides hope in the darkness. Here is a bit about the book:

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron's empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family's Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian's sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer's ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past. In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer's quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold's mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian's great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?Renowned as a "trailblazer extraordinaire" (Booklist) of inspirational dual-time suspense, award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright weaves a haunting tale of mystery, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of truth across two distinct eras.

This book releases October 1, 2024 wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Jaime Jo Wright's website: https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/

Jamie Jo Wright's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeJoWright

My full 4.5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6343610504

Book Recommendation - Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

It's not often that the cover photo of my blog post is one that I took, but since my Christmas tree is up all year, I was able to get a perfect backdrop for this Christmas book that releases in September. I have always loved Roseanna M. White's stories and so when she gave her upcoming Christmas book a Nutcracker theme, I jumped at the chance to read it as the Nutcracker brings back fond memories of Christmases past.

Here's a bit about the book:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more--but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he'd rather forget. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas . . . and to disgrace Cyril in the process.Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

This book releases on September 3, 2024 and is a Christmas story I'd definitely recommend! For more information, check out the following links:

Roseanna M. White's website: https://www.roseannamwhite.com/

Roseanna M. White's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6772649207

Book Recommendation - Brave

 

One of the genres in fiction that I love is Biblical fiction as it gives me more Bible context and has me reading scripture with a greater understanding. Though Biblical fiction is never in lieu of the Bible itself (and should be read as intended - a fictional account of actual events), it helps me to better understand the context and culture of the scriptures. Mesu Andrews is one of the authors that I love to read who does Biblical fiction oh so well. Her upcoming series is about the wives of King David and she's writing on the lesser-known wives. Book 1 is Brave - the story of Ahinoam. In scripture, Ahinoam is only mentioned in passing. She was listed as a sideline to his marriage to Abigail (He had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel) and by the child she bore David in Hebron - Amnon, his first born. In Brave, we not only read about Ahinoam (her part is mostly fictionalized since there is not much out there about her), but also learn more about David. And his time in the wilderness when he's fleeing from Saul. Here's a bit about the book:

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. Amid the unforgiving Judean wilderness, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister, Zeruiah. Through her Kenite metalworking heritage, Ahinoam gains respect among David's army, and the soldiers' wives offer friendship. However, scarred by painful past relationships, Ahinoam isolates to avoid new friendships and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to love Israel's next king?Bestselling author Mesu Andrews presents a gripping biblical-era series, weaving a narrative of resilience and the transformative power of faith.

With themes of forgiveness and worship, this book also explores the themes of the Psalms that David wrote during this time and speculates on how Ahinoam's faith may have bolstered his own and prompted some of these songs.

This book was an excellent work of fiction that had me opening my Bible to see how the stories were spelled out in scripture and giving me a clearer look at the time in Biblical history. It's one I recommend to fans of Biblical fiction. This book releases October 1, ,2024. For more information, check out the following links:

Mesu Andrews' website: https://mesuandrews.com/

Mesu Andrews' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews

My full 4.5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6343612407

Book Recommendation - Waiting for Christmas

 

Lynn Austin has long been an auto-read author for me. I will go out of my way to read everything she writes. Waiting for Christmas is a follow-up to her All My Secrets, which came out earlier this year. If you've ever read a beloved book and clamored for a "what happens next" story, this follows that! Here's a little bit about the book:

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

This book releases September 3, 2024 wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Lynn Austin's website: https://lynnaustin.org/

Lynn Austin's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LynnAustinBooks

My full 4-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6763949017

Book Recommendation - Shield of the Mighty

 

When it comes to Biblical Fiction, Connilyn Cossette is one of my auto-read authors. Her upcoming release, Shield of the Mighty was written in a particularly difficult time in the author's life, and the result is a beautiful story chock full of spiritual depth and truth. This book has the potential to be my top read for the year this year and one I can easily recommend to fans of Biblical historical fiction. Here's a bit about the book:

Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.

Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.

Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.

This book releases August 20, 2024 wherever books are sold. Check out the links below for additional information:

Connilyn Cossette's website: https://www.connilyncossette.com/

Connilyn Cossette's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnilynCossette

Shield of the Mighty Pintrest board: https://www.pinterest.com/connilyncossette/shield-of-the-mighty/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEsQ89leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcfzs8Ekwjp9Rd3pwO3SkHlEglsUu09jB34ACAPnOxJ-tfMJdXRsuZexbA_aem_KPQsAY0VCwHeuG3MrQaxQg

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6343605009