Recommended Reads: A touching memoir of caring for aging parents until the end

Loving the Enemy, by Catherine Fransson “Hang in there. We’ll make it.” Author Catherine Fransson shares a touching memoir about a time in her life that so many people struggle through. It’s a time as an adult, when you are juggling your own life responsibilities, and at the same time caring for people you once depended…

Recommended Reads: ‘Kat Out of the Bag’ a sophisticated page turner

Kat Out of the Bag—the In Purse-Suit Mystery Series by Wendy Kendall I’m delighted to be guest columnist this week for the “Recommended Reads” column, because your regular columnist, Wendy Kendall, has published her first cozy mystery.  And it’s no wonder that Wild Rose Press published Kat Out of the Bag. This mystery is a…

Recommended Reads: Immerse yourself in the latest tea shop mystery from Laura Childs

Lavender Blue Murder, by Laura Childs Get ready, mystery enthusiasts and amateur sleuths, because Laura Childs’ latest Tea Shop Mystery starts off with a bang. It’s a Lavender Blue Murder in the fields of the low country of South Carolina. When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley attend an…

Recommended Reads: Set in Seattle and Cascades, this mystery has a contemporary twist

Winter Takes All, by ML Erdahl Crystal is a newly hired wilderness guide. She’s thrilled to finally have excitement in her life as she heads into Washington State’s Cascade wilderness. It’s all so promising. She’s on the trail with a ruggedly handsome, experienced guide mentoring her on leading a private snowshoeing weekend party. Who could…

Recommended Reads: Thrills abound in international action novel ‘The Eighth Sister’

The Eighth Sister, by Robert Dugoni Mystery surrounds the sisters. Their identities are unknown even to each other. Trained from birth to penetrate Russia’s foreign intelligence service and report to the CIA, suddenly they are disappearing. Three of them are dead. What is it about this intrigue that appeals to ex-agent Charles Jenkins? What convinces…

Recommended Reads: Cozy up with a murder mystery set in San Francisco

The Fog Ladies, by Susan McCormick An ominous suspicion creeps into the minds of the resident ladies at the Pacific Heights apartment building as they watch the fog bank inch its way over the Golden Gate Bridge. There had been a number of grave accidents in their building recently. It’s suspicious. None of the group,…

Recommended Reads: Life lessons in ‘The School of Essential Ingredients’

The School of Essential Ingredients, by Erica Bauermeister September means back to school. This year graduate to a new class. Go to The School of Essential Ingredients and enjoy learning in the company of author Erica Bauermeister’s heartwarming characters. Attendance is a treat as you learn lessons from the Monday night cooking classes; mostly you…

Recommended Reads: Couple’s bike adventure focus of ‘Tailwinds Past Florence’

Tailwinds Past Florence, by Doug Walsh Join ambitious couple Edward and Kara as they pop the kickstands on their bikes and launch an exciting worldwide bike trip. They’re putting their lives on hold for a couple of years while they see new sights and challenge themselves to live their dream. What a courageous and incredible…

Recommended reads: ‘The Darkest Gateway’ a quirky, edgy paranormal romance

The Darkest Gateway by Jeri Westerson Welcome to the fourth book in The Booke of the Hidden Series. Author Jeri Westerson invites you on an adventure through The Darkest Gateway. In this paranormal romance series, the protagonist is Kylie. She is torn whether to accept the challenge before her. If she does, this treacherous quest…

Recommended Reads: ‘First Man’ tells story of Neil Armstrong

First Man, by James R. Hansen You may have seen the excellent hit movie. Now, for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, which was celebrated July 20, I’m recommending the book that tells the incredible saga of that First Man, an essential biography by James R. Hansen. Not just a biography though, this is an entertaining,…

Recommended Reads: Whales at center of taut thriller ‘Lost Frequency’

Lost Frequency, by Barry Swanson Barry Swanson has written a taut, suspenseful thriller about an international race to discover a communication tool to translate a Lost Frequency into a language. How will such a tool be used by the victor in this race? Will it sustain good or diabolical purposes? Clues to this discovery lay…

Recommended Reads: ‘Mercy River’ a gripping mystery thriller

Mercy River, by Glen Erik Hamilton Welcome to Mercy River, Oregon where you’ll “feel a growing energy in the town like kids before summer vacation. Or maybe animals before an earthquake.” Author Glen Erik Hamilton shares a gripping mystery thriller where friendship is tested, and dangers surround criminal actions that threaten a person’s belief in…

Recommended Reads: Historical romance novel features breathtaking and vivid writing

Seven Nights With A Scot — All The King’s Men Series — by Gerri Russell Award-winning and bestselling author Gerri Russell sends you roamin’ in the gloamin’ on an exhilarating Seven Nights With A Scot, in this historical romance novel. These are the days of the North Berham witch trials in Scotland, with atrocities inflicted on…

Recommended Reads: Sit down with a cup of tea for ‘Broken Bone China’

Broken Bone China Tea Shop Mystery #20, by Laura Childs Imagine floating in a hot air balloon high above scenic, historic Charleston amid a flying parade of a half dozen others in flight. Theodosia Browning gave it a try and thought this must be the coolest thing she’d ever done. Her long-time friend and tea sommelier…

Recommended Reads: Poet shares struggles of everyday life in ‘Quilcene’

Quilcene, by Avis M. Adams This poet shares poignant glimpses into the joys, beauty, and struggles of everyday life amidst this rugged, rural setting. The language in this poetry conjures powerful imagery that feeds the imagination with contemplative visions and a captivating energy. The full array of true human emotions lace the lines of these…

Recommended Reads: ‘Eternal White’ explores meaning of life — and death

Eternal White, by T. Furuyama “So this is Heaven.” Hershel Byne, a math teacher observes his surroundings as he angrily enters the afterlife. Heartbroken, feeling he was snatched away from loving family and friends before his time, Hershel begins to explore what author T. Furuyama has waiting in the vastness of Eternal White.Is eternal peace…

Recommended Reads: Librarian looks for a murderer in this page turner

Murder Between The Pages – The Nina Foster Mystery Series, by Linda Hope Lee Librarian Nina Foster cannot quiet her suspicions and theories when her hometown is shocked by murder. Nina’s concerns prompt her to get her nose out of the books and onto a hot trail of clues. Not so fast though — author Linda…