Sunday, July 5, 2026

THE SUSPECT: MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN BOOK 1 by L.R. Wright


THE SUSPECT: MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN BOOK 1
by L.R. Wright
5 stars


I decided to read this series because of the TV series "Murder In A Small Town" starring Kristen Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland. I am a fan of both stars and wanted to watch the show. But with all tv or movies that are based on books, I like to read the books first. You get so much more information and insight from the books. And sometimes your own imagination can do better than even the best director. 

Ok, so The Suspect is book 1 in a series of 9 books by L.R. Wright. The writing is great, the characters are likable, and the descriptions of the area are beautiful. 

George is a 80-year-old man and has just killed his brother-in-law. It was spur of the moment, and George is wrecked over the act. At first, he is ready to go to jail for the murder. But as time goes by, he starts to believe Carlyle deserved it. If it wasn't for the damn parrot and war shells, George probably wouldn't have even been a suspect.
Karl Alberg is the new Staff Sergeant in the area. He is called in on the case. Only 2 suspects, George and a traveling salesman, no motive, no weapon, and no evidence. 
Cassandra is a local librarian and friend of George's. She put a personal ad in the paper looking for a companion, and Karl answers the ad. This puts Cassandra in a n odd predicament. Does she remain loyal to her friend or tell Karl anything she knows of the case?
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day and a half, couldn't put it down. stayed up way to late to finish it. Even though the book started with the killer being revealed, it kept me reading to see if George would get away with it or if the Mountie would get his man.
I recommend this story to anyone who wants an easy read with a touch of heart and soul to it.

If you read this book or series, please let me know your opinion. I would love to know if you like it and why or why not.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

PEACE AS A COSMIC LAW: ALIGNING WITH THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE by Francis Pekpe

 


PEACE AS A COSMIC LAW: ALIGNING WITH THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE
by Francis Pekpe
3 stars

I received Peace as a Cosmic Law for free from LibraryThing.

This book will help you to find inner peace, if you really want it and work for it. Peace just doesn't come to you. It is your job to calm your mind and soul, then help quiet the chaos around you as much as possible.
There are a few exercises explained in this book to help. Meditation, slow steady breathing, and mental awareness of your surroundings are common processes to keep yourself at peace.
With personal peace, you can help bring peace to your surroundings and community. And with a little charity and love, even to the world. This will take you showing love and patience to someone else, who hopefully will then show it to others. Until everyone is "paying it forward" throughout the whole world.
It could have been about 100 pages less and still gave the same information. There was a lot of repetition to the book.
But overall, I found the book informative and many of the processes and exercises useful.
As always, let me know if you read this book what your thoughts are. I would love to hear from you.


Friday, June 12, 2026

STRANGE SHAPE OF LOVE by Herta Feely


STRANGE SHAPE OF LOVE
3 stars
by Herta Feely

I received Strange Shape of Love through LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

Charlotte Cooper has a really messed up past. But she has gotten her life together and on track, somewhat. 

When the magazine she writes for is bought out by a London online company, she is sent to London to work. She used to live there 7 years ago. She reconnects with Celia, her good friend. Charlotte runs into her ex, Rafe. They reignite their relationship and then her past comes back to haunt her. 

The story is sometimes fast paced and sometimes slow. Sometimes it's exciting, but more often boring. You figure out quickly who is to blame for Charlotte's troubles. It isn't much of a mystery. 

I understand the devastation Charlotte felt when her cousin died. But the horrible choices she made, I can't feel sorry for her. I like a character that I can relate with or commiserate with. I feel sorrier for Rafe. He has 2 women that he cares for and both are screwed up. 

I would recommend this book for the way it puts a spotlight on human trafficking and harassment, along with the #MeToo movement. 

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would like to know if you liked it. And why or why not.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

BEYOND THE MIND'S ILLUSION: SIMPLE ANSWERS ABOUT SOURCE, STILLNESS, AND LIVING IN PRESENCE by Rosemarie Quay


BEYOND THE MIND'S ILLUSION: SIMPLE ANSWERS ABOUT SOURCE, STILLNESS, AND LIVING IN PRESENCE
by Rosemarie Quay
4 ****


I received Beyond the Mind's Illusion from LibraryThing in return for an honest review."


Beyond the Mind's Illusion" is meant to be a companion book to "The Space Between". I have not read "The Space Between". But this book does make me think about moments of feeling connected to everything.  Moments of realizing the simple things going on around me. Such as birds, the breeze, or vibration of the earth when a semi drives by. Little things that normally you would not notice, remember, or even care to remember.

Everything that happens in your life is shaped by your own perception, awareness, and reactions to all the events going on around you. How you respond to a sudden downpour, a stubbed toe, or waiting in traffic. You should take a moment, breathe, and enjoy it all.

"Beyond the Mind's Illusion" and "The Space Between" are helping hands in understanding how to feel the world around you. And how to know when you are aware of all things and connected to them.


I feel that using some of the tips in this book will help me to slow down, center myself, connect, and become aware of the small things in the world.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

STILL COMING by Joseph Flynn


STILL COMING
by Joseph Flynn
4 stars


When Dula Jenning, president of Shepardton college, sent out her refusal letters for the upcoming semester; she had no idea about the backlash that the hurt applicants would cause. 
From seemingly innocent letters with just two words "still coming" to ghost in town to traffic disturbances. These bright students are angry at being dismissed and want to prove Dula wrong. 
I found the concept very interesting. These young people were technologically advanced and cunning. The writing style was excellent, and the story was a great read. I found the book hard to put down. 

SNOW FLEAS AND CHICKADEES: EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS IN THE SIERRA by Eve Quesnel




SNOW FLEAS AND CHICKADEES: EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS IN THE SIERRA
by Eve Quesnel
4 stars

I received Snow Fleas and Chickadees from Librarything in return for an honest review.

Have you ever gone for a walk and wondered what is making that sound? Or what kind of bug is that? This book answers some of those questions for the Sierra Nevada region in California.
Animals, trees, insects, or birds: Eve Quesnel tells of some of her favorite nature finds that are right within walking distance of her home.
I never heard of a snow flea, but learning about them and the way they propel themselves was interesting. She explains the difference between a white fir and a red fir.
This book is for anyone interested in nature. It's not like any other nature guide; this has a homier, more comfortable feel. Almost like talking to a friend about her adventures of the day.



Sunday, January 18, 2026

FEARLESS FOURTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 14) by Janet Evanovich

 

FEARLESS FOURTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 14)
by Janet Evanovich
5 stars


What would you become for 9 million dollars? A thief, a killer, a kidnapper?

Would you deal with a crazy monkey, an aged has-been pop star, a stalker?

Stephanie Plum has to deal with all of this while on a case. One of her skips, Loretta, has disappeared after Stephanie took her in for reprocessing. While searching for Loretta, Stephanie has to take care of Zook, Loretta's son.

Loretta's brother is part of the crew to rob the bank many years ago. Now the rest of the crew wants the money that Dom hid, and are willing to kill for it.


If you read this book, please leave a comment or review. I would like to know your thoughts.

LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 13) by Janet Evanovich


LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 13)
by Janet Evanovich
5 stars


When Dickie Orr (Stephanie's ex-husband) disappears, our favorite bounty hunter becomes the prime suspect. She must avoid getting arrested, find Dickie, and discover why he vanished. 

She has the help of Ranger and Morelli. Even though Morelli is a bit disconnected while protecting someone at a safehouse. 

We get the usual Plum family fun and fiascos. Grandma, Lula, Connie, and the rest of the crew are here. 

Book 13 is just as good as the rest.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion.