Review: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Goodreads Blurb

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted.

To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

With shocking turns and dark secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fresh, juicy, and utterly addictive thriller from a diabolically imaginative talent.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Be careful what you wish for!! The grass is not always greener on the other side.

It is a story of a desperate woman yearning to be rich at whatever cause, a psycho abuser and a woman trapped with the most evil man. Who will have the upper hand?

Amber Patterson is desperate to marry a man with status and money. She makes friends with Daphne Parrish yearning to replace her in her marriage with Jackson Parrish. You will go down a rabbit hole with these characters and will be shocked at the real truth behind closed doors.

At the beginning of the story, I wasn’t very interested in this book. When the story moved to Daphne’s take on how her life with Jackson was far from perfect, I got hooked on the story. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to Jackson and Amber. They both belonged together. I was so happy at the turn of events. Revenge was perfection in this story. They both got what they deserved. This story gave you a front row seat at how abusers take control in every aspect of a woman’s life. They use verbal and sexual abuse and fear to take full control. This story, though fiction, told the story of many women who are in similar relationships.

Author Biography

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with over two million copies sold worldwide. Their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at http://www.livconstantine.com

Review: Fashion First by Diane Keaton

Blurb

A fashion icon in her own right, Keaton amusingly revisits and reflects on some of her favorite and not-so-favorite fashion moments over the decades, from childhood homemade outfits to red carpet ensembles and street style experiments she tried from the 1960s until today.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Diane Keaton is a fashion icon. She rocks hats, boots, belts, and her most iconic outfit, the suit. I enjoyed seeing how her fashion style has evolved throughout the years. As a fashionsista who likes to put outfits together regardless of what’s on style, I connect even more with Diane. I love vintage outfits and connected so much with her outfits during those eras. Kudos to Diane for pushing boundaries and wearing what makes her comfortable and happy. Just like Diane’s mom, who used to take her photos, my mom takes my fashionista photos. A hat can dress any outfit, plus an easy fix for a bad hair day. I got to meet Diane in 2017, I loved her boots, and we connected talking about fashion. I highly recommend you look through the most iconic outfits that Diane Keaton will be remembered by.

Author Biography

Diane Keaton (born Diane Hall) is an Academy Award-winning American film actress. Her first major film role was Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather movies. She starred with director and co-star Woody Allen in “Play It Again, Sam,” “Sleeper,” “Love and Death,” “Annie Hall” and “Manhattan.” She has starred in many other films and worked as a director, producer, and screenwriter.

A number of books of her photography have been published.

Cover Reveal: The Heartbeats of Aloha by Brooke Gilbert

BOOK DETAILS:

The Heartbeats of Aloha

by Brooke Gilbert

(Under the Hawaiian Stars)

Publication date: July 1, 2025

Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance

Synopsis:

𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮, 𝙧𝙚𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧-𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧?

Reef has been in love with Luna since they were kids. As a secret romance novelist, he pours his unrequited feelings into his books, reliving their love on the page. But when Luna’s uncle proposes a fake relationship to thwart a stunt her PR wants to pull, Reef’s wildest dreams and worst fears are about to collide.

Luna never stopped loving Reef, even when she broke his heart to protect him. Music became her refuge, but fame brought unexpected complications. Now, fate has brought them back together, but the demons of their past threaten to consume them both.

As Reef and Luna navigate their rekindled feelings amidst a whirlwind of secrets, heartache, and desire, they’ll discover that sometimes reality is even more extraordinary than fiction. When their truths come to light, will their love survive, or will they wish they’d left the past buried in the sands of time?

The Heartbeats of Aloha is a poignant, swoon-worthy standalone in the International Soulmate series. Immerse yourself in:

  • A heart-melting second chance romance
  • The lush, tropical beauty of Hawaii
  • A fake relationship that feels all too real
  • Deep, nuanced portrayals of mental health and disability
  • Unforgettable characters, including an adorable canine companion

If you love emotional journeys filled with tender moments, sizzling chemistry, and the healing power of love, then Brooke Gilbert’s moving story is a must-read.

Let the rhythm of the islands guide you to your next great romance. Grab The Heartbeats of Aloha today and lose yourself in Reef and Luna’s unforgettable love story!

Content note: This book contains discussions of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216822765-the-heartbeats-of-aloha

AUTHOR BIO:

Brooke Gilbert is a Tennessee native, a microbiology graduate of the University of Tennessee, and a border collie mom. She is, as you may have already guessed, a hopeless romantic and a lover of Jane Austen. When she isn’t writing, she works as a jewelry designer, an audiobook narrator, and a graphic designer. Her writing features characters with autoimmune disorders, something she deals with herself. She believes it is important for these types of characters to be seen in modern literature and started writing so she could see someone like herself in literature. She is considered a medical mystery and has several rare autoimmune disorders. These disorders caused her to withdraw from Physician Assistant School, but she is happy to be pursuing her dreams of designing, creating, and writing. She thanks God for leading her heart on this new path and recites “perhaps this is the moment for which you were created” in times of doubt (Esther 4:14).

She loves watching classic films (thrillers and romantic comedies, too), reading, playing the ukulele, painting, dancing, Pilates, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. One of her favorite quotes is from Flashdance: “When you give up on your dreams, you die.” She believes that if you’re waiting to pursue your dreams, stop waiting and start doing. Your time is now. And may you never stop being a hopeless romantic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a very good quality. She’s still looking for her Mr. Darcy. Visit brookegilbertauthor.com to connect and stay updated on her latest projects.

Author links:

https://www.brookegilbertauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/enchantingbrookevoiceover

https://www.instagram.com/brookegilbertauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23026582.Brooke_Gilbert

Review: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

Goodreads Blurb

I have spent every day waiting for you.
Darling, don’t be afraid.
I have loved you for a thousand years.
I’ll love you for a thousand more.

A child ventures out into the world, one bold step at a time, as her mother looks on, both of them brave in embracing change and steadfast in their ever-evolving love. In this ode from parent to child, Christina Perri teams up with New York Times bestselling illustrator Joy Hwang Ruiz to turn her hit song “A Thousand Years” into a tender reminder that a mother’s love is forever.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of the most iconic songs that was used in the Twilight movies is now part of the most adorable children’s books. Christina Perri is a singer and songwriter. She is a mom and wrote the perfect book to gift to mom’s. I loved that she used parts of her iconic song to tell this beautiful story between the love of a mother for her child. The illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the text. I enjoyed the rainbow scenery used throughout the book. You feel like you are in the clouds with so much love.

Review: A Perk of Trouble by Tonya Kappes

Goodreads Blurb

When a nationally known author arrives in town to headline a prestigious writer’s retreat, Roxanne Bloom is more focused on crafting perfect lattes than getting caught in his plot twists. But when the author turns up dead—in a scene straight from one of his books—Roxy’s peaceful coffee-slinging days are once again interrupted.

With the town buzzing and the retreat guests under suspicion, Roxy dusts off her sleuthing skills to uncover the truth hidden between the pages. Because in Honey Springs, secrets percolate fast—and someone’s trying to cover theirs with murder.

A Perk of Trouble is a heartwarming, twist-filled mystery steeped in Southern charm and brewed with all the things you love—fur babies, friendship, fresh-baked treats, and a heroine who never gives up.

My Review: Rated  5 out of 5 stars

A writers retreat turns deadly when two authors are murdered by a writer out for revenge. How far would you go for fame? Will you steal another authors plot or ideas in order to gain fame?

As a reader who has attended many author events, it’s always brings me joy to get a chance to meet authors and publishers and make new friends. This writers retreat sounded like a fun filled event where writers can learn new writing tips and get a chance to meet new friends and meet agents. Unfortunately, an author is found dead exactly how one of his characters died in his book. And Tonya didn’t stop at one murder, but two. I didn’t see that one coming.

I really loved the plot of this story and how it took place at a writers retreat. I love how Roxanne named her coffees and deserts with book theme titles. That was a fun idea that fit perfectly for a writers event. Roxanne walked right into danger, but her sleuthing helped her solve the murders. This was a fun read for readers who enjoy book events and get a chance to unravel the murders with Roxanne.

Author Biography

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman’s World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Currently Reading: Anne Frank: The Exhibition

We went Wednesday to the Center for Jewish History to see the Anne Frank exhibition. I highly recommend taking time to visit the exhibition before it closes in October. You get to walk through a recreation of the Annex where the Frank family and others hid. They also have artifacts from the family on view. You get an audio to help guide you through their lives. This book includes everything you get to see on the exhibit in thorough details. I also recommend you get the book for memories.

Review: A Moment to Dance by Jennifer Faye

Goodreads Blurb

When trouble strikes…Whistle Stop pulls together

For Ella Morgan, moving to Whistle Stop is a chance to start over, put her horrific past behind her. But now she’s living in a mountain cabin–in dire need of renovation–that her grandmother left her, along with a sizable tax bill. Her job teaching school isn’t going to cover it. She needs cash, and soon.

Volunteer firefighter Tony Granger has returned to Whistle Stop to run the family ranch and be guardian to his orphaned nephew, Johnny. But being a single parent isn’t coming easy, and he’s worried sick he won’t succeed with his plan to adopt the boy, especially if Johnny’s grades don’t improve. He needs a break, and fast.

When Ella finds out Tony doesn’t have a partner for the Dancing With the Firefighters’ benefit–which is offering a large cash prize–and he hits upon hiring her as Johnny’s tutor, it looks like their problems might be solved. But taking dance lessons to win the competition sets alight a burning attraction between them. Can they let go and learn to trust again, or will the scars of their pasts still haunt them?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is a five-star book. Jennifer did an awesome job of creating her characters. The characters were very well thought out. Loved the plot of Ella being a teacher and having to be scarred her whole life because of an incident from her past and Tony being a firefighter and losing someone very close to him. It was ironic that she fell in love with a firefighter while she had fought through her family home fire so many years before. Each character has a dark past and is struggling to live in the present. With love and determination, they were able to help each other with their struggles and move on as one. Also enjoyed Johnny, who caused so many worries for Ella and Tony. It was an added bonus.

I loved how the book evolved around a dance competition. I love to dance, which made this book very enjoyable to read. I loved each moment Ella and Tony had on the dance floor. The heated passion bouncing off them like fireworks dancing in the moonlight. I had my happy moments in this book, but there were also moments of sadness, adrenaline rush, determination, and heartbreak. Please pick this book up and read this unforgettable book.

Author Biography

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Join S. A. Cosby on Book Tour

S.A. Cosby will be on a book tour next month for his new book release, King of Ashes. Here is the link to RSVP for each individual event: https://us.macmillan.com/tours/s-a-cosby-king-of-ashes/?utm_campaign=FIB%20-%20Flatiron%20First%20Edition%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–O3HAgQZAlupeNVpbjAOtILAZAHox6_l-PtG05Ch5VsMO6_4p90fnzbBPc22AsjxlEj1fVdCIHtN1f-8MTb9B9NdWjkg&_hsmi=361503155&utm_content=361503155&utm_source=hs_email