The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver

The Good Mothers

Book Summary

With an eight-year-old son struggling with ADHD and nowhere else to turn, soon-to-be-divorced mom Lacey answers a life-saving ad: “Seeking responsible single mom to join our household. Motherhood can be lonely and we support each other!”

When she arrives at Wildwood Lane she finds a ramshackle house with a welcoming bright yellow door and a wraparound porch with its cozy couch and scattered toys. And inside, three mothers who have forged their own rules for survival.

As Lacey battles her conspiracy-theorist ex-husband for custody while juggling a new, make-or-break job, she discovers these women offer more than shared childcare, communal dinners and late nights bonding over wine after the kids’ bedtime. They're building something revolutionary: a chosen family where women don’t just survive—they thrive.

But when her enigmatic housemate comes up with a risky plan that could secure her financially and protect her son’s future, she faces an impossible choice: How far will she go to protect the family she’s found?

A fierce, tender novel about how sometimes women have to break the rules to build the life they really want. Perfect for readers who loved Big Little Lies and All They Need to Know.

My Thoughts

The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver portrays men and women in a bad light.  In the beginning, I felt for Lacey who is trying to protect her son from her husband.  Lacey’s son has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs medication, but her conspiracy theorist husband does not agree.  Thus ensues a bitter divorce and custody battle.  Every evening the four women residing in the “mommune” sit around the kitchen table drinking copious amounts of wine while complaining about men.  I did not like the methods the women employed to get ahead.  The men in the story with the exception are portrayed in a bad light.  

Lacey’s husband is awful and I do not blame Lacey for being nervous about him gaining custody of their sensitive son.  I found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes over the actions taken by the women.  The ladies condemn the men for their action, but they felt it was okay to “break a few rules (they stomped on the rules).”   Breaking the rules and violence are never the answer.  I thought Lacey would have learned her lesson after the truck incident.  The ending was expected.  I did not feel that the story lived up to the blurb.

The Good Mothers is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  While The Good Mothers was not my cup of tea, I suggest you download a sample to see if it suits you.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, January 20 with A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander. It is the first A Novels Detective Mystery. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post

 Detecting Deadly Threats

Book Summary

With ruthless criminals closing in, this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

My Thoughts

Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post is a compelling narrative.  I liked the characters especially Zach’s nephew, William, and his dog, Ranger.  I felt for Lauren who seemed to suffer one loss after another.  It is a lively story with drama, suspense, and action.  I liked the fast pace which had me quickly flipping the pages.  I could not wait to discover who was after Lauren and why.  I liked the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book.  Detecting Deadly Threats is the sixteenth book in the  K-9 Search and Rescue series.  It can be read as a standalone like all the books in the series.  Detecting Deadly Threats is a fastmoving story with masked men, a quivering earthquake, a tumbling building, a clever canine, blasting bullets, and a tire rasper threat. 

Detecting Deadly Threats is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other K-9 Search and Rescue novels here.   Carol J. Post has Witness Safeguard Mission coming out April 28. It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense series.  You can find Carol J. Post's other books here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Are you keeping warm?  I was talking to my neighbor's about their cold weather wardrobe.  I was curious to see if they were prepared for this cold snap or only had an outfit or two like me.  It turns out that they only have a couple of outfits for when the weather turns frigid (in the 50s during the day is what we consider frigid).  Everyone has an electric throw to use while watching television or reading in the living room. 

I will be sharing my thoughts on The Good Mothers by Caitlin Weaver on Thursday, January 15.  I hope that you have a cozy day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross

 Rescuing Her Firefighter

Book Summary

Not every hero…

Wears a uniform

Brooke Lawson refuses to let her troubled past stop her from making her mark in Flame, Texas. The close-knit community is exactly the fresh start she needs. Great new job, caring new friends—her only problem is the series of mortifying scrapes she finds herself in. Being frequently rescued by Michael Barnes, the small town’s handsomest firefighter, does have its upside. His warmth and humor set him apart from every man she's ever met. But when his large, ready-made family starts interfering, will she be the one to rescue him? And will their special spark continue to shine?

My Thoughts

Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross is a cute and amusing story.  Trouble should be Brooke’s middle name.  Her new chapter in Flame, Texas gets off a fiery start.  Brooke's decision-making is atypical for a business professional.  Of course, her bad decisions get her rescued by Michael Barnes, the hunky firefighter.  Sparks fly between them from the beginning.  I liked Michael’s large family.  His family played a significant role in his life. 

They were quick to embrace Brooke (well, with one exception) and she was soon helping Michael’s sister with her wedding.  I liked the small town feel of Flame which included nosey residents (gossip flowed faster than maple syrup on a stack of hot flapjacks).  Rescuing Her Firefighter is the first A Flame, Texas Novel and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  Rescuing Her Firefighter is a heartwarming, feel good story with a crinkly sign, an iron inferno, a fine-looking firefighter, a padlocked door, a heartfelt family, trust troubles, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

Rescuing Her Firefighter is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers. The next A Flame, Texas Novel is Her Texas Plus-One which comes out June 30.  You can find Carol Ross's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Cold weather has hit Florida with a vengeance.  On Friday, the high will be 55 degrees.  Thursday night will be the coldest at 36 degrees.  I do not have clothes or pajamas for this type of weather.  It has not been this cold in years.  It is a good thing that I have an electric blanket and warm cardigans.  What is it like in your area?  Are you prepared for the frigid weather?  The one good thing about cold weather is that I can snuggle under my electric blanket and read.  I have plenty of reading material (I overbooked myself for February with twenty-six books).  

On Wednesday, January 14, I am featuring Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post.  It is the sixteenth book in K-9 Search and Rescue series.  Please return to learn more about romantic suspense story. I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen

 Shielded by the Cowboy

Book Summary

A witness in danger…

and a protector standing guard.

Pregnant widow Holly Myers just wants a fresh start for her and her unborn child, but when she witnesses a double murder, her quiet life is shattered. On the run, she finds refuge with former Deputy Sheriff Clive Cantrell, who is determined to keep her safe. But with killers on their trail who’ll stop at nothing to silence Holly, staying alive might just be impossible. Especially when clues link the murders to a drug trafficking operation hidden on Clive’s family’s ranch. And stopping the criminals could prove lethal for them both.

My Thoughts

Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen is a page turner.  I liked Holly who was looking for a fresh start and to protect her unborn child.  Clive is kind and protective despite  the memories Holly and her situation bring up.  Clive has a friendly, supportive family.   I enjoyed the suspense and action.  The tension builds as the story progresses.  There are twists and turns that keep Clive and Holly on their toes.  If Holly and Clive are to survive, they will need to trust each other.  I like how their relationship progresses, but I did feel it was a tad rushed at the end.  The author painted a picture with her words that brought the Texas setting to life. This was my first Connie Queen book, and I'm eager to read more of her stories.  Shielded by the Cowboy is a fast-moving tale with an unresponsive car, an astounding death, a protective cowboy, determined killers, trust troubles, a monster mother-in-law, and a helpful family.

Shielded by the Cowboy is available from Amazon*.  The next two books in the Thunder Ridge Justice series are Texas Cowboy Protector which comes out May 26 and Something for the Stolen Son on August 25.  If you follow Connie Queen on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, January 13 with Rescuing Her Firefighter by Carol Ross.  It is the first A Flame, Texas Novel.   I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

 The Shop on Hidden Lane

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

My Thoughts

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz was not up my alley.  I have been reading this author’s novels since I was teen, and this is the first time that I did not want to finish one of Jayne Ann Krentz’s books.  It would have been helpful if the blurb had specified the type of creature (demon) that Sophy Harper is (I would not have requested the book if I had known).  There is quite a bit going on in the story that includes a murder, two missing people, feuding families, and antagonistic main characters.  I did not connect with any of the characters including Sophy and Luke.  Some characters are introduced only at the end, while others appear sporadically throughout the chapters. 

I found the foreshadowing to be heavy handed which is unusual for this author.  The suspense was lacking much to my dismay.  I wanted a thrilling mystery and suspense, but I did not get it with The Shop on Hidden Lane.  The pacing was slow and there was too much going on.  My favorite character was Bruce, the dog/ hellhound.  I kept putting down The Shop on Hidden Lane, and I was reluctant to pick it back up.  I was happy when I turned the last page of The Shop on Hidden Lane.

The Shop on Hidden Lane is available from Amazon*.  If the blurb appeals to you, I suggest you download a sample of The Shop on Hidden Lane.  As they say, not every book is for every reader.   Jayne Ann Krentz (contemporary) also writes under the pen names Amanda Quick (historical) and Jayne Castle (futuristic).  Thank you for joining me today.  On Thursday, January 8, I am featuring Shielded by the Cowboy by Connie Queen tomorrow.  It is the first book in the Thunder Ridge Justice series.  

Guess who has returned to my porch?  Mama Duck along with two little ducklings.  It is unusual for a duck to have babies in the winter.  Mama Duck is taking good care of the little ones.  She surprised me the other day.  I came out of my bedroom to find Mama Duck and her ducklings in the house.  I thought the ducklings were too small to get up the steps.  This is what happens when I forget to put food out for them.  We are having some nice weather which gives me an opportunity to get the porch furniture put together (two rockers, a table, a cat tree--for my cat, Dickens, and a cat house--will go outside the porch for the neighborhood cats).  I hope that you have pleasant day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany

 The Devil in the Details

Book Summary

The game is once again afoot in Vicki Delany’s eleventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery, when birthday festivities end in freezing-cold murder.

Gemma Doyle is excited about celebrating Jayne Wilson’s big day. It’s supposed to mark not only the birthday of Jayne, her partner in crime, but also that of the Great Detective himself. Following the festivities at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma heads for the Blue Water Café, the site of Jayne’s party. To make things even better, Jayne’s wedding is only a week away.

But the much-anticipated affair quickly turns to disaster with the presence of the bride and groom’s respective exes in attendance and other unruly guests. With drama at every corner, Gemma and Jayne take a break on the chilly deck overlooking the ocean when they spot the body of a party attendee floating in the water below.

As Detective Ryan Ashburton takes a closer look at the guest list, Jayne’s wedding is in peril, especially when it is revealed that her fiancé, Andy, is a prime suspect. With the police closing in and more lives on the line, it’s up to Gemma to keep Andy from prison and save Jayne’s wedding day from ruin.

My Thoughts

The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany is not what I expected.  The story started with too much information.  The author introduces Gemma, Jayne, Ashley, Great Uncle Arthur, Ryan, along with other characters and animals.  The town is described as well as the bookshop, tearoom, Uncle Arthur’s home (where Gemma resides as well), and the Blue Water Café run by Jayne’s fiancé.  Jayne's birthday party is that evening at the Blue Water Café, and we learn all the details. With her wedding in a week, Gemma also shares the latest updates.  The content is excessively detailed and progresses at a slow pace.  

The mysteries were straightforward (at least I thought so).  On the first death, Gemma waffles between suicide, accident, and murder.  However, she investigates it as a murder.  Gemma, as usual, keeps details from the police.   The ending felt unsatisfying, serving mainly to prove Gemma was correct.  The narrative moved slowly, with minimal action and recurring information.  The Devil in the Details is the eleventh A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  Clearly, I didn't find The Devil in the Details enjoyable—a letdown, especially since I had high expectations for this story.

The Devil in the Details is available from Amazon*.  While The Devil in the Details was not up my alley, I enjoyed the previous book in the series which is The Incident of the Book in the Nighttime (Kindle version currently on sale for $2.99).  Vicki Delany also writes under the pen name Eva Gates and Eva Gates has Whose Body in the Library coming out on June 9.  It is the thirteenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, January 7 with The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz.  Have you set a reading goal for 2026?  It was the hot topic on Facebook this weekend.  Personally, I feel that it does not matter how many books that you read as long as you read.  It should be about finding stories that resonate with you, so that you have a fulfilling reading experience (quality instead of quantity).  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght

 Taking a Second Shot

Book Summary

Can he convince her

that he’s playing for keeps?

Struggling professional soccer player Rainey Allen has come to her grandparents’ small town in Georgia to train—certainly not to coach kids. But when a grief-stricken little boy gets excited about playing with her, she can’t refuse. Even if his uncle is Scott Wilcox, the source of Rainey’s worst preteen memory. Once on track to be a professional athlete himself, Scott is grappling with his new life as the high school baseball coach and guardian of his orphaned nephew. But as playing soccer puts the light back in Henry’s eyes, old wounds begin to heal. When Rainey gets her big break, will she give up on her dreams…or leave behind the family who stole her heart?

Book Summary

Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght is a cute story.  I enjoyed getting to know Rainey, Scott, and Henry.  The chemistry between Rainey and Scott was apparent from the beginning.  Their history was amusing and I like how the author referenced it throughout the book. I enjoyed the banter between Rainey and Scott.  I felt for Henry who is adjusting to living with uncle and dealing with the loss of his parents.  Another delightful character was Rainey’s grandmother.  She is anything but subtle.  The narrative raises an important question: What occurs when one attains a long-pursued goal, only to question whether it remains the desired path forward?  Scott and Rainey will need to think about what they want and make some tough decisions.  I enjoyed the faith element woven throughout and the focus on family.  The epilogue nicely wrapped up the book and left me smiling.  Taking a Second Shot is a sweet story with a field dilemma, a square dance debacle, tasty treats, soccer camp, a dream come true, and a difficult decision.  

Taking a Second Shot is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Leslie DeVooght's other novels here.    I will return on Tuesday, January 6 with The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany. It is the eleventh A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  It is downright chilly today, and it is going to get down in the 30s tonight (that is way too cold especially for Florida).  I really had to dig into the recesses of my closet for clothes for this frigid weather.  My mother is staying in her bed and she is not budging (she uses a duck call to get my attention when she needs something--she found it when she cleaned out a drawer last week).  I hope that you have a very Happy New Year.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Happy New Year!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main

 An Unexpected Texas Reunion

Book Summary

Rebuilding a life

one paw print at a time.

After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. Recently widowed, Owen McCaw returns to his family’s ranch with his infant daughter to mend his estranged relationship with his parents and agrees to help out at his mother’s camp. As Brenna and Owen clash over every decision, they can’t ignore their growing connection either. When camp comes to an end, the two must decide if risking their hearts is worth a second chance at love…

My Thoughts

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main a sweet and emotional second chance romance.  I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing.  I enjoyed getting to know Brenna, Owen, little Evie, and catching up with the McCaw family.  I felt for Brenna and Owen.  Each of them has had an emotional upheaval in their life.  Returning to Serenity gives them a chance to heal.  The chemistry between Brenna and Owen was apparent.  I was rooting for them.  I thought the youth summer camp was a great idea.  I like the faith messages that Owen shared with the youth.   I love Owen’s daughter, Evie and Brenna’s emotional support dog, Lulu. 

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is the fifth and final book in the Triple C Ranch series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I do recommend reading all the books in the Triple C Ranch series.  The themes in An Unexpected Texas Reunion are forgiveness, healing, and second chances (for romance and careers).  An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a special story with a darling daughter, happy parents, a serene ranch, curious campers, comforting support dog, exploring opportunities, and a second chance romance.

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  You can find the other books in the Triple C Ranch series here.  I am looking forward to reading Heidi Main's Under the Mistletoe series which can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you had a jolly Christmas.  The day went by so quickly.  I will return tomorrow with Taking a Second Shot by Leslie DeVooght.  It is very cold today, so I will be spending the day under my electric throw (it should not get this cold in Florida).  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.