My pre-order has finally arrived, YAY!!. I was trying to get an early review copy, but I had no luck. Finally, I have it in my hands. Just look at this amazing mirror shiny cover. Plus, it’s signed by the author, who hoo!! My review will be posted at a later time.

Goodreads Blurb

When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.

It was everything.

She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

Goodreads Blurb

Billy loved watching horror movies-but didn’t love being menaced by three school bullies. When something extraordinary happens, Billy is given the perfect opportunity for revenge. But is revenge all it’s cracked up to be? A morality tale in creepy packaging, The Night The Bullies Were Bullied! challenges the reader to think about power, compassion and forgiveness from different angles, in an unusual and engaging story.

My Review

An outstanding comic novel, that will teach children about bullying and how to make a difference. The illustrations are wonderful and I loved how the story was poetic. The similarities between the bullies and the ghouls was spot on. I was glad that the bullies were able to learn their lesson before something much more terrible could have happened to Billy. Billy feared standing up to the bullies, since they were a lot bigger then him. I was glad he saw that the ghouls weren’t his friends and that violence and revenge never makes a right.

This is truly a comic novel that should be read to children and shared at schools. Bullying has been a bigger problem these last couple years, that have resulted in children committing suicide. Kids need to know what bullying looks like and learn how to defend themselves and others who are being bullied. I highly recommend this novel to stand up to bullying. I rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Author Biography

Charles Ricciardi has been creating award-winning independent writing and film projects for over 25 years.   He has produced five feature films, some of which he’s edited, written & directed.

Charles recently adapted two of his screenplays into books; a novel about an exciting foot race along the Appalachian Trail and an illustrated anti-bullying story for children.

You can view these projects here, and check out other video creations on the YouTube link below.  

I found this information through http://libraryreads.org/august-2019-libraryreads/ and thought this was a good list of books to share with everyone. They post every month the top ten books librarians across the country are loving. I read The Whisper Man and I recommend you pick it up. Enjoy!

Don’t miss the August 2019 Hall of Fame Winners! Scroll down or visit the Hall of Fame page.

The Right Swipe: A Novel

by Alisha Rai

Published: 8/6/2019 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062878090

“An intelligent, multicultural contemporary romance. Rhi, CEO of the Crush dating app, and Samson, NFL star, embark on a joint project that turns into more than just talk. Issues of #MeToo in the tech industry and the NFL’s concussion problem are woven in. For readers of the Forbidden Heart series, Elle Wright, and Alyssa Cole.”

Jessica Werner, The Seattle Public Library, Seattle, WA 
NoveList Read-alike: Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Ellie and the Harpmaker

by Hazel Prior

Published: 8/6/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9781984803788

“When Ellie walks into the Harp Barn, her life is bound to change. Dan the harpmaker is a sensitive soul who gives Ellie a harp. Ellie’s husband Clive thinks the gift is inappropriate and doesn’t support her desire to play, so she takes lessons behind his back. An engaging and tender book for fans of Fredrik Backman and Graeme Simsion.”

Kathleen Harriott, Punta Gorda Public Library, Punta Gorda, FL 
Novelist Read-alike: The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

---

Inland: A Novel

by Téa Obreht

Published: 8/13/2019 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812992861

“Obreht lays a mythical voice over an already dreamlike landscape of drought in Arizona. A mother and half-grown sons generate a powerful dynamic not often explored, and the youngest, who knows about scary beasts, brings magic and intuition. A journey into a barren world, inside and out. For fans of Larry Watson and Alice Hoffman.”

Katherine Phenix, Rangeview Library District, Adams County, CO 
NoveList Read-alike: The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami

---

The Last Widow: A Novel

by Karin Slaughter

Published: 8/20/2019 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062858085

“A fast-paced thriller in the Will Trent series has Will and Sara trying to prevent a deadly epidemic. The book tells the story of what is happening to three different people during the same short time periods, as they are unaware of the actions of the others. For readers who enjoy Tana French and John Sanford.”

Susanne Guide, Union County Public Library, Liberty, IN
NoveList Read-alike: The Helen Grace series by M.J. Arlidge

---

Life and Other Inconveniences

by Kristan Higgins

Published: 8/6/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780451489425

“Explores the complex relationships between caregivers and their children, as four generations of one family reflect on their past, and the failing health of the family matriarch looms large. For readers who like fully developed characters with real-world problems, and fans of Jennifer Weiner and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.”

Amanda Kowalcze, Green Hills Public Library District, Palos Hills, IL
NoveList Read-alike: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos

---

Sapphire Flames: A Hidden Legacy Novel

by Ilona Andrews

Published: 8/27/2019 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062878342

“The fifth Hidden Legacy paranormal adventure requires middle sister Catalina, now head of House Baylor, to use all her skills and poise to make the right decisions for herself and her family. For fans of Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series and Patricia Briggs’ Moon Called.”

Lynne Welch, Herrick Memorial Library, Wellington, OH 
NoveList Read-alike: The Lily Bound series by Yasmine Galenorn

---

The Swallows: A Novel

by Lisa Lutz

Published: 8/13/2019 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9781984818232

“A dark, satirical book that centers around a school and the revenge that we seek in times of humiliation. It’s a twisty read that will have you following an investigation filled with secrets, lies, and threats. For readers who liked Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld and Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel.”

Kathryn Neal, Skiatook Library, Skiatook, OK 
NoveList Read-alike: The Red Word by Sarah Henstra

---

Things You Save in a Fire: A Novel

by Katherine Center

Published: 8/13/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250047328

“A traumatic event as a young woman has left firefighter Cassie with a hard shell which breaks apart as she learns about forgiveness, love, and friendship. With gripping firefighting scenes and a love story, this is perfect for fans of Jo Jo Moyes or Marissa de los Santos.

Alissa Williams, Morton Public Library, Morton, IL
NoveList Read-alike: Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

---

The Warehouse: A Novel

by Rob Hart

Published: 8/20/2019 by Crown
ISBN: 9781984823793

“Paxton and Zinnia are new employees at Cloud where they work, live, and have their productivity and location tracked through their smartwatches. Gibson is the dying industrialist who created the Cloud company and is touring the country visiting his facilities. This near-future dystopian sci-fi thriller made me leery of ever shopping online again. For fans of The Circle by Dave Eggers and Notes from the Internet Apocalypse by Wayne Gladstone.”

Dan Brooks, Wake County Public Library, Raleigh, NC
NoveList Read-alike: 1984 by George Orwell

---

The Whisper Man: A Novel

by Alex North

Published: 8/20/2019 by Celadon Books
ISBN: 9781250317995

“Tom and his son Jake move to Featherbank to rebuild their life after the death of Tom’s wife; unknown to them, the town has a dark history and another little boy has gone missing and Jake begins to hear whispers in his new house. For fans of Joe Hill and Paul Tremblay.”

Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ 
NoveList Read-alike: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

---

The Perfect Wife: A Novel

by JP Delaney

Published: 8/6/2019 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9781524796747

“Abbie wakes up with no memory of how she ended up in the hospital. Her tech wizard husband tells her that after a horrific accident, he spent five years trying to bring her back. But is Abby’s return a miracle of science, or a nightmare? Delaney’s latest psychological thriller keeps you guessing.”

Joan Meis Wilson, Needles Public Library, Needles, CA

Read-alikes:

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
How to Be A Good Wife by Emma Chapman
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch

---

The Turn of the Key

by Ruth Ware

Published: 8/6/2019 by Gallery/Scout Press
ISBN: 9781501188770

“Rowan travels to northern Scotland to nanny for a rich, eccentric family; a seemingly perfect job until everything unravels. The isolated location, creepy gothic vibe, unreliable narrator, and brilliant twists keep readers on edge from start to finish in a pulse-pounding read.”

Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, Avon, CT

Read-alikes:

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
While You Sleep by Stephanie Merritt
The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman

---

---

Goodreads Blurb

Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.

Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.

My Review

This was my first time reading a book by Lynsay and I loved it. Her cover was spectacular, a hot man wearing a kilt is eye catching for all readers, so look no further. I loved that her heroine Murine was a lady that might seem weak, since she had spells of passing out. But she truly is a women who’ll fight for her freedom and love. She was like wonder woman. She saved the highlanders life’s and survived many attacks. There were some funny parts through out the book, couldn’t get over her choice of animal to escape from her horrible brother. Dougall was exactly how I portrayed a highlander, very protective, loving and sexy. This romance will have all the readers in search of a very cold drink to cool off after. If you love highlanders, then this is the book to read. I rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Author Biography

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.

Edwin Hill is a new author for me. I’m enjoying this page-turner. I was super happy to have won Nancy Naigle’s new Christmas release from Goodreads. Love to read a mixture of books. What are you currently reading? Any book events coming up for you?

I was so happy to see Nancy Naigle again. She is just the sweetest. Her books are so heartwarming.

Goodreads Blurb

One week of pleasure…with an Italian bad boy!

Academic Juno Darlington-Hume wants a top-quality education – in sexual pleasure! Renowned Italian playboy Alessandro Ricci agrees to show the gorgeous virgin almost everything he knows. From magical Florence to the golden Tuscan countryside, he’s taking her to ever-higher peaks of ecstasy, letting her get closer than any other woman. But he will never take the one thing she truly wants to give him – her heart.

My Review

This is that book that you will need to put a book cover on, so no one sees why you’re blushing. Who doesn’t want a hot Italian with experience to guide you to sexual oblivion? Juno Darlington an inexperience virgin, definitely choose the right guy to take her through this hot sensual journey. Alessandro took her to Italy, which made this a romantic experience. I loved that Juno had the courage to tell Alessandro her little dilemma. Both characters are just perfect together. You have Juno very well versed in anything Science related, while you have Alessandro who breaks hearts at every corner. Can a playboy and a Science geek enjoy sex without falling for each other? Well that my friends just never works out. This was a quick read with some very detailed moments that you will enjoy. I rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Author Biography

Formerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing provocative, passionate, seductive romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.

Christy loves to hear from readers. You can get hold of her at www.christymckellen.com

For news about her releases, early excerpts and giveaways click on the link to join her newsletter. 

http://eepurl.com/bDmv4r

(She will only send one out when she has a new release imminent, so you won’t be inundated with emails from her, promise!)

Goodreads Blurb

From the author of the international bestseller Our House, a new novel of twisty domestic suspense asks, “Could you hate your neighbor enough to plot to kill him?” 

Lowland Way is the suburban dream. The houses are beautiful, the neighbors get along, and the kids play together on weekends.

But when Darren and Jodie move into the house on the corner, they donʼt follow the rules. They blast music at all hours, begin an unsightly renovation, and run a used-car business from their yard. It doesn’t take long for an all-out war to start brewing.

Then, early one Saturday, a horrific death shocks the street. As police search for witnesses, accusations start flying–and everyone has something to hide.

My Review

Those People, definitely brings back my sleepless nights with the music thumping my walls. Those People, are truly the worst neighbors anyone will want next door. Those experiences I have lived through, so I know exactly how they all felt. This thriller will spike your anger at Darren and Jodie. You live in the perfect, quiet, kid friendly development, until trouble moves into town. This book had everything that irks me about a neighbor. They are rude, rule breakers, messy, loud, destructive, careless and not neighborly friendly. The characters in this story are very well thought out. You had multiple perspectives and plot twist. I wasn’t excited with the ending. Neighbors work together to get rid of Darren. Are their efforts worth the risk, are they truly working together or against each other? The main threat needs to be removed at all cost. Check this book out to see the terror this neighborhood goes through, when Darren moves in.  I rated 3 out of 5 stars.

Author Biography

Sunday Times bestselling author ​Louise Candlish was born in Hexham, Northumberland, and grew up in the Midlands town of Northampton. She studied English at University College London and worked as an illustrated books editor and copywriter before writing fiction. She is the author of twelve novels, including the thriller Our House, winner of the British Book Awards 2019 Crime & Thriller Book of the Year and a #1 bestseller in paperback, ebook and audiobook.

Those People will follow in hardback in June 2019.

Louise lives in Herne Hill in South London with her husband and teenage daughter. Besides books, the things she likes best are: coffee; TV; cats and dogs (equally); salted caramel; France (especially the Ile de Re); Italy (especially Sicily); tennis; Vanity Fair magazine; ‘Book at Bedtime’; lasagne; heavy metal; ‘The Archers’; driving towards the sea (but not into it); anything at the Royal Opera House; white wine; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or, failing that, a Starbar); using parentheses, semi-colons, and Oxford commas. 

I attended the Blogger Day and our guest speaker for the Librarian breakfast was Alyssa Cole. She gave an amazing speech that was powerful and memorable. She spoke about the horrible experiences that the immigrants are living each day in the cages they are kept, like animals and not treated like humans. She wants ICE to be abolished. She spoke about her love of reading and how at some point she stopped reading, because the books didn’t relate to her and the characters didn’t look like her. She was an amazing speaker that pushes for change and equal rights for all. We had a couple other workshops that provided more ideas for us bloggers on getting more viewers and creating post that our followers will want to read. We also had a networking mixer with all the amazing authors. I was able to make new connections with various authors. The day ended with the Readers for Life book signing. They had almost 200 authors signing their books. I love being able to meet the authors and get to know them more.

Alyssa Cole speaking and her with her books.

I was fangirling over J.R. Ward winner of a Rita Award.

Look at all these amazing authors and readers.

• 

Me and Darynda Jones and me and Nancy Naigle

Sheri Cobb South, Liz Talley and Tif Marcelo

Alexandra Haughton, Me and K.C Bateman, Me and Jamie Beck and Heatherly Bell

The book signing event ended with an interview with the Today show that will be aired sometime in September or October. They asked me about my love for romance, why I love Christmas novels and ended with me twirling with my book dress. When it’s released, I’ll share with you all. It will have a mixture of speakers.

I highly recommend attending RWA if you are a blogger or looking to become an author. They have many workshops that will help you with getting your book out there in the world of readers. Thanks, RWA for giving a first timer like me, a wonderful opportunity to connect with authors, bloggers and make new friends.

RWA 2020, will be in San Francisco.

My morning started off with this amazing view from my suite window that faces Times Square.

It was another day of book signings. The day started with Kensington Books, St. Martin’s Press and Carina Press Books, plus many wonderful and interesting workshops. I was able to meet some of my favorite author’s and got to also meet many new ones. So many free books, so little time to read.

The Rita Awards followed for the evening. I was so happy to see all the authors and event attendees looking like Cinderella. The Rita Awards this year had epic moments that I would have loved it didn’t take this long to have happened, but finally not one but two African American author’s won a Rita Award. Their was also another epic moment when a Hindi author won a Rita also. I’m happy to see that RWA and the publishers are starting to see that books should look like all their readers with no inclusions. We had a magical evening with epic moments. Below are the winners in each category, the information about the Rita and winners was taken from http://www.RWA.org:

The RITA^®

The RITA—the highest award of distinction in romance fiction—recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. Up to 2,000 romance novels are entered in the RITA competition in 13 different categories. After the first round of judging by published romance authors, entries that meet the qualifications to become a finalist then advance to the final round.

Once RWA announces the RITA finalists,  judges evaluate and scores these novels to determine the RITA Award winners. The RITA Award winners are announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the RWA Annual Conference.

RWA Announces 2019 RITA Winners

And learn about the trailblazers of the romance genre at www.rwa.org/trailblazers!

Paranormal Romance Winner

Dearest Ivie by J. R. Ward
Ballantine Bantam Dell, Ballantine Books
Kara Welsh, editor

Contemporary Romance: Long Winner

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Self-Published
Lauren Clarke, editor

Young Adult Romance Winner

My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma
Crown Books for Young Readers
Phoebe Yeh, editor

Historical Romance: Short Winner

A Duke in the Night by Kelly Bowen
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Alex Logan, editor

Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length Winner

Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix
Self-published
Julia Ganis, editor

Romantic Suspense Winner

Fearless by Elizabeth Dyer
Self-published

Erotic Romance Winner

Three-Way Split by Elia Winters
Entangled Publishing, LLC, Scorched
Tera Cuskaden, editor

Romance Novella Winner

Bad Blood by M. Malone
Self-published
Angela Ramey, editor

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance Winner

How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan
Harlequin, HQN
Flo Nicoll, editor

Historical Romance: Long Winner

A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy
Self-Published

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements Winner

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Tyndale House Publishers
Sarah Rische and Jan Stob, editors

Contemporary Romance: Short Winner

The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise by Teri Wilson
Harlequin, Special Edition
Gail Chasan, editor

Best First Book Winner

Lady in Waiting by Marie Tremayne
HarperCollins, Avon Impulse
Elle Keck, editor

Congratulations, to all nominees and winners of the RWA Rita Awards!!

After the awards, the authors and attendees danced the night away.

I was hoping to wear a dress that inspired romance and made me look like a princess. I decided to purchase this wonderful dress from Unique Vintage. This is a replica of the Peaches n Cream Barbie dress. I always wanted to be a Barbie and was able to last night.

We can’t forget the fun photo booth. Yesterday, was filled with fun, laughs, books, friendships and epic moments that I will always cherish. Stay tuned, for my last day at RWA.

Today was signing galore. Look, at all the amazing books I got today. I met so many new authors, plus some of my all time favorite.

RWA 2019 Golden Heart Awards Luncheon, Emcee was Darynda Jones

Winners

Contemporary Romance – Never Have I Ever by Rosie Danan

Comtemporary Romance: Short- Love on the Books by Betsy Gray

Historical Romance – Tempting the Heiress by Emily Sullivan

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance– Everything Comes Back to You by Melissa Weisner

Paranormal Romance – Bless Your Heart and Other Southern Curses by Heather Leonard

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements– The Promise of Spring by Martha Hutchens

Romantic Suspense – The Hustler by Angie Hockman

Young Adult Romance – Dragged! by Susan Lee