The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney

 The Society of Second Chances

Book Summary

Welcome to Hope Valley, Kentucky, where a mysterious—and apparently very wealthy benefactor—brings together four women with extraordinary talents and compassionate hearts. Helen Janway, Rachel Hooper, Jennifer Stanton, and Evelyn Richmond receive a check for a large sum to cover expenses and are invited to become a covert “team of angels,” tasked with a secret mission: to offer God’s love, grace, and mercy to a young woman in need of a fresh start.

Their first assignment proves challenging. The Society of Second Chances is called to help Harmoni Branaham, a young woman newly released from prison and struggling to find her place in the world. As the women work to earn Harmoni’s trust and guide her toward a brighter future, their own lives—and secrets—begin to surface. For Rachel, the risk is deeply personal, as she fears her darkest secret may undo the fragile bond forming among the group.

My Thoughts

Every once in a while, a story comes along that feels like a warm hand reaching out with hope—and The Society of Second Chances is one of those stories. Deborah Raney has crafted an uplifting, feel-good novel that drew me in from the very first pages and kept me invested with its wonderful cast of characters. With compassion and grace, the author tackles challenging topics, including the difficult road a formerly incarcerated person faces when reentering society. Through Harmoni’s story, we see how quickly people can judge an ex-offender, and how powerful kindness, faith, and community can be in offering someone a true second chance. 

I loved the anonymous benefactor’s thoughtful effort to bring four women together—not only to help Harmoni, but possibly to open doors for others in the future. The story also explores the ripple effect of secrets on individuals, friendships, and families, while gently weaving a meaningful thread of faith throughout. By the end, I was smiling, hopeful, and sincerely wishing for more. If The Society of Second Chances is the beginning of a series, then readers are in for something truly special.

Grab your favorite bookmark and settle in—this one is all about fresh starts, feel-good fiction, and happily turning the page! 📚✨ The Society of Second Chances is available now from Amazon. If you enjoy heartwarming, inspiring women’s fiction, be sure to explore Deborah Raney’s other novels, too. I will be featuring The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle on Thursday, September 10, and I hope you will stop by to learn more about this charming story. Until then, may your to-be-read stack be tempting, your reading chair be cozy, and your next chapter be a delightful one. 💕📖

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.

Fury in Death by J.D. Robb

 Fury in Death

Book Summary

In the new crime thriller from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, Lt. Eve Dallas journeys into the darkness where murder is born…

NYSPD lieutenant Eve Dallas never knows what to expect when she gets word of a body. It could be an elderly man who made the mistake of climbing a ladder in slippery footwear. And the next call could be a wealthy biotech executive beaten to death in his home office—but what was Larry Chu’s mistake?

The victim’s corpse is so mangled and damaged it’s hard to believe a lone, unarmed assailant could have managed it. The killer was clearly unnaturally strong—and smart enough to find a way into Chu’s highly secure building. Most of all, whoever did this was very, very angry.

The excessive violence leads Dallas to conclude that this was a deeply personal act, born of a rage that she can’t excuse but can understand thanks to her own traumatic past. And though the motive seems rooted in heated emotion rather than cold hard cash, she can’t ignore the suspicious bank account in the Cayman Islands, or the shadowy, profit-hungry company Chu worked for. The mystery only grows when it turns out Chu isn’t the only victim—and Dallas will need to tear through one layer of secrecy after another to reveal what lies behind this explosion of fury...

My Thoughts

After sixty-three books, the In Death series still knows how to deliver a pulse-pounding ride—and Fury in Death is no exception. J.D. Robb brings readers back into Eve Dallas’s world with the familiar mix of suspense, sharp characterization, and emotional warmth that makes this long-running series feel like a reunion with old friends. Eve, Roarke, Peabody, and the rest of the gang continue to grow and evolve, and it is always a pleasure to catch up with them. Of course, Galahad deserves his own spotlight: that chubby scene-stealer adds just the right touch of charm and humor whenever he appears. 

This installment takes a slightly different approach by revealing the culprit’s identity and motive early on, which gives the story a fresh, tension-filled angle rather than a traditional whodunit structure. While I usually enjoy puzzling out the mystery alongside Eve, this format lets the focus shift to the why, the how, and the race to bring everything together. The case itself is intriguing and clever, with intense moments that underscore just how high the stakes are. Some of the darker details are vivid, but they also reinforce the urgency of Eve’s work and the strength it takes to face such brutality head-on. Watching the pieces fall into place was deeply satisfying, and Fury in Death ultimately delivers another gripping, character-rich entry in the series. Best of all, newcomers can jump in and enjoy this book as a standalone—though longtime fans will find even more to love.

Bookish excitement alert! 📚✨ If you are ready to dive back into the thrills, twists, and page-turning drama of the In Death series, Fury in Death is available now on Amazon along with the other books in the series. J.D. Robb—also known as Nora Roberts—has Birth of the Witch coming out November 17, so be sure to follow J.D. Robb on Amazon to get notified when a new release hits the shelves. To learn more about Nora Roberts and her many books, visit her website. I will return on Wednesday, September 9, with The Society of Second Chances by Deborah Raney. Until then, may your coffee be warm, your bookmark never go missing, and your next chapter be a delightful one. ☕📖

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.

The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury

The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies

Book Summary

Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is the irresistible debut from Kate Westbury that seamlessly layers mystery, romance, and a dash of academia to introduce the Crown’s newest undercover operatives.

Oxford, England, 1951 - The Honorable Ginevra Bishop likes red lipstick, clever retorts, and earning top marks in her tutorials. She’s following her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford, eager to prove she’s more than a debutante.

Sidney Braithwaite likes brooding, Latin, and ignoring his nightmares. He’s determined to forge a new life for himself at Oxford, far from his childhood mining village and free from memories of the war.

Though Gin and Sidney have little in common, the British Security Service is keen to unite her charm with his espionage experience: there’s a Soviet spy at the university, and the agent tracking them down was poisoned. MI5 wants Gin and Sidney to pick up the trail and identify the informant before more sensitive information is compromised. As a team, the pair of undergraduates clash in personality, upbringing, and taste––but have a connection neither can deny. Gin and Sidney must unite their respective talents to follow the clues before they’re caught in the traitor’s crosshairs…if the sparks flying between them don’t blow up the operation first.

My Thoughts

Step through the gates of Oxford, and you’ll find secrets tucked into every shadow. The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury is a delightful blend of espionage, history, mystery, and sparkling character dynamics, all woven into one wonderfully engaging story. I especially enjoyed the chemistry and witty banter between Gin and Sydney, as well as the way their romance unfolds slowly and naturally. 

The mystery is well-crafted and thoughtfully plotted, with secret clues, coded messages, suspicious professors, whispered conversations, and the thrilling sense that someone may be watching from just around the corner. I love a mystery that keeps me suspecting everyone, and this one does exactly that. The Oxford University setting is another highlight, filled with rich history, beautiful libraries, secret corridors, and intriguing academic societies. Westbury brings it all vividly to life through picturesque descriptions that make the story feel atmospheric and immersive. Charming, clever, and full of intrigue, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies left me eagerly hoping this is only the first case in a brilliant new series.

Let’s wrap up the week with a little bookish sparkle! Kate Westbury’s debut novel The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies is now available from Amazon, and today also brings a deliciously spooky treat: Sue Hollowell’s boo-tifully spicy cozy mystery Food Truck Fright Night. This is my last post for the week, but I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 8, with The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle. Until then, may your weekend be cozy, your coffee be strong, and your reading pile be delightfully irresistible!

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.

Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen

Paper Ghosts

Book Summary

Part ghost story, part love story and steeped in magical realism, Paper Ghosts will transport you to a place where old secrets echo through the years and love finds a way of bringing us home.

Every family has its secrets . . .The Wester women live inside theirs.

For decades, the women of Wester House have unsettled and fascinated their small, timeless North Carolina town. Their home is full of whispers, old griefs, and uncanny knowing. But when Willamena Wester reaches out to the granddaughter she once pushed away, long-buried truths begin to stir.

1976: Restless young Willamena falls for a stranded musician who brings freedom and the promise of another life to her carefully controlled world. Their brief, incandescent love story promises to escape the pull of the Wester legacy until Willamena makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Present day: Returning home is the last thing Bailey Wester wants. Yet as she reconnects with Willamena, the grandmother she feared, Bailey begins to understand the love, heartbreak, and impossible choices that shaped the women in her family and realizes the past may not have been trying to haunt them after all. A luminous novel filled with Sarah Addison Allen’s stunning prose and signature blend of romance, Southern charm, and wonder, Paper Ghosts reminds us that in order to have the future we really want, sometimes we need to live with the past, and not let go of it.

My Thoughts

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with opening a new Sarah Addison Allen book, and Paper Ghosts arrived with all the promise of mystery, family secrets, and a touch of magic. Ever since I discovered Garden Spells, I have looked forward to each new release, and I was eager to settle in with this story. While Paper Ghosts unfolds at a gentler pace than I expected, that slower beginning gives readers time to step into its shadowy atmosphere and appreciate its quieter moments. The unexpected shifts in time add an intriguing layer, even as I found myself wishing for a smoother path through the characters’ histories.

Wills has the beginnings of a truly compelling story, and I especially enjoyed the hints of her connection with her grandmother. I would have loved even more time with that relationship, particularly during Wills’s growing-up years, because those details could have made the family history feel even richer. Tug and Bailey also bring interesting possibilities to the story, and a deeper look at their lives would have added another warm layer to the family thread. Although this book leans darker than the author’s earlier work, with moments of violence and characters who are more complicated than cozy, it is still clear that Allen is exploring a different side of her storytelling.

I couldn't resist using this image!

Most of all, I wanted to spend more time with the family’s gift—the magic that gives the story its spark—and I finished the book curious for more answers. Even though Paper Ghosts was not my favorite Sarah Addison Allen novel, it reminded me why I continue to follow her work: her stories always invite anticipation, conversation, and the hope of discovering something enchanting on the next page. I will happily be first in line for her next tale, ready once again for whatever magic she chooses to share.

A little bookish magic is in the air today! Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen is now available from Amazon, and if you haven’t yet discovered her work, I highly recommend starting with my personal favorite, Garden Spells—an enchanting story that feels like stepping into a garden sprinkled with charm, secrets, and just a touch of wonder. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Kate Westbury’s The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies on Thursday, September 3. Until then, may your day be bright, your tea be warm, and your next read have just the right amount of magic.

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.

We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson

We Wish You a Messy Christmas

Book Summary

This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.

It's Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane's reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn't be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.

Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane's holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.

In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.

My Thoughts

Jingle bells, messy halls, and a heartwarming lesson or two make We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson a delightful holiday treat. I always look forward to Carlson’s yearly Christmas novella because I know I can count on festive fun, heartfelt moments, and a meaningful takeaway. Her friendly, engaging writing style makes the story easy to settle into, while the humor sprinkled throughout keeps the tone light and cheerful even as the novel thoughtfully explores OCD and the way it affects both an individual and a family.

 I especially enjoyed how the story reminds readers that Christmas does not have to look the same for everyone. There is no single right or wrong way to celebrate—only the way that best fits your family. I also appreciated seeing the story unfold from different perspectives, along with the gentle thread of faith woven throughout. We Wish You a Messy Christmas is charming, hopeful, and full of holiday heart, with an ending that left me smiling. So, grab a mug of cocoa, ignore the stray tinsel, and enjoy this sweet seasonal story.

Grab a cozy mug and settle in—this week’s bookish sleigh is jingling with treats! We Wish You a Messy Christmas is available from Amazon, along with the author’s other delightful Christmas stories. Melody Carlson also has The Sweet Life Goes On coming out February 16, 2027. Today’s new releases offer a cheerful little treasure hunt: Amy Matthews brings us the entertaining and heartfelt The Treasure House, Linda Byler delivers the uplifting A Christmas Surprise, Kate Westbury adds sparkle and mischief with the clever and intriguing The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies, and Mindy Steel rounds things out with the delightful Murder, Plainly Written. There truly is something for everyone in this merry batch of book releases. 

I’ll be featuring Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts on Wednesday, September 2. Until then, may your day be bright, your reading stack be tempting, and your bookmark always easy to find!

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.

These Ancient Bones by Heather Graham

These Ancient Bones

Book Summary

The X-Files meets Dan Brown in this suspenseful tale of dark magic, ancient curses, and modern murder, as two agents with unusual talents investigate a series of sensational crimes in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.

The case is sensational. Whistle-blower investigative journalist George Maynard has been killed in his St. Augustine home, his body so badly burned the morgue is needed to verify his identity. Paranormal investigator Shelly Mahoney has been transferred to a special unit to help law enforcement. Off the books, the unit is called the Krewe of Hunters and deals with “strange” cases.

At the murder scene with federal agent Grant Markham, Shelly makes an odd discovery: a stone etched with what appears to be a curse that invokes flames. If Shelly can use her ability to summon the dead—providing they have remained behind—she may unearth what happened.

Grant, too, has an unique ability. By holding the hand of the recently deceased, he can see what has happened to them. Yet in this case, neither of their gifts is of any help. As they set out to question those who might have had a motive, they also study ancient “curse tablets”—often used in the Greco-Roman world to cause death or warfare.

What ensues is a shocking discovery by the medical examiner and a search that takes the team to Italy where a similar murder may reveal the creators of the mystical tablets—made deadly with a little human assistance. But soon, the danger is closer than ever—because the target is Shelly . . .

My Thoughts

Beware: These Ancient Bones may lure you into the shadowy streets of St. Augustine and keep you happily haunted until the final page. Heather Graham delivers a wonderfully atmospheric mystery filled with ancient curses, creepy old cities, helpful ghosts, and a twisty murder investigation. The setting comes vividly to life through rich descriptions, city history, and recognizable landmarks, giving history-loving readers plenty to savor while adding depth and texture for anyone who enjoys an immersive backdrop. 

A murdered journalist, a mysterious stone etched with an ancient curse, and two investigators with special abilities make for an irresistible setup. The investigation moves along with steady momentum, offering twists, turns, and multiple suspects that kept me guessing. The supernatural elements add an extra shiver of charm, while the quick-blooming romance brings a lively spark to the suspense. As the second book in The Crows series, These Ancient Bones still works well as a standalone, making it easy for new readers to jump right in. Fans of atmospheric history, ghostly chills, and twist-filled mysteries will find plenty to love here. Step carefully—once this ghostly mystery has you in its grip, you may not want to escape.

Ready to curl up with These Ancient Bones and maybe keep one light on? You can find it on Amazon and at other major booksellers. If you’re new to The Crows series, the first book, The Witching Hours, is available to read for free with Kindle Unlimited—perfect for a little spooky binge-reading. And if your book stack could use a cozy, crafty detour with plenty of seaside charm, be sure to check out Danger Looms by Betty Hechtman. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 1, with Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts. Until then, grab a cozy blanket, guard your bookmarks, and may your next read rattle the teacups in all the best ways!

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.

Safehouse Under Seige by Virginia Vaughan

Safehouse Under Seige

Book Summary

Deep in the heart of Texas,

he’s her only chance for survival.

US Marshal Wyatt Briggs will risk his life for his job—but when Emily Matthews’s WITSEC identity is compromised, keeping her safe becomes personal. Once engaged to Wyatt’s deceased brother, Emily is like family, yet now she means even more. Both find themselves targets on a drug kingpin’s revenge list, forced to flee from one compromised safe house to another. With a mole lurking in the Marshals Service, Wyatt and Emily must risk everything to protect each other. Emily’s testimony brought the criminal down once, but now they’ll have to work together to deliver justice again, all while staying one step ahead of deadly threats.

My Thoughts

From the very first page, Safehouse Under Siege by Virginia Vaughan pulls readers into a fast-paced blend of danger, mystery, suspense, and second chances. Emily and Wyatt are likable, well-developed characters with real depth, and their shared history adds emotional weight to the nonstop action. I especially enjoyed how quickly the story begins and how the twists keep coming as they work to stay one step ahead of the danger surrounding them. The mystery of the mole kept me guessing, and I found myself eager to solve it before the truth was revealed. 

I also appreciated the faith element, particularly the way Emily gently helps Wyatt begin seeking God again. Although this is the fifth book in the Lone Star Defenders series, it works well as a standalone; that said, I highly recommend reading the entire engaging series. Warm, suspenseful, and hard to put down, Safehouse Under Siege is a compelling page-turner from beginning to end.

Looking for your next page-turner? You can pick up Safehouse Under Siege on Amazon, along with the other novels in the Lone Star Defenders series. Be sure to follow Virginia Vaughan on Amazon, too, so you’ll be the first to know when her next book releases. If romantic suspense is your kind of read, don’t miss the intriguing Vanished in Montana by Jenna Night. Prefer a charming cozy mystery? Add A Little Latitude by Johnnie Alexander to your list. I’ll be back on Thursday, August 27, with the ghostly mystery These Ancient Bones by Heather Graham. Until then, happy reading—may your bookmarks be busy and your TBR pile joyfully out of control!

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.

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn

Taken Without A Trace

Book Summary

A missing person case…

or a deadly cover-up?

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts

Taken Without a Trace by Hope Wellborn grabs readers from the very first page and does not let go. This fast-paced, suspenseful story delivers an exciting ride filled with danger, intensity, and unexpected twists. I really liked Maya Reid and Chase Brenner, and I enjoyed following them on their sleuthing journey as the mystery grew more intriguing with each new clue. The suspect list kept expanding, leaving me wondering right up to the end who was truly responsible. I also appreciated the second-chance romance between Maya and Chase, which developed slowly and naturally, along with the light thread of faith woven throughout the story. With its shocking ending and engaging characters, Taken Without a Trace is a thrilling read that kept me eagerly turning the pages until the final reveal.

Ready to fill your reading list? You can pick up Taken Without a Trace on Amazon and be sure to visit Hope Welborn’s website to learn more about her and her books. There are also so many wonderful new releases out today, including the charming The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker, the heartfelt A Cowboy to Remember by Melinda Curtis, the imaginative and mysterious Portrait of a Witch Undone by K.S. Shay, the heartwarming A Secret Worth Protecting by Susan L. Tuttle, and the deliciously autumnal mystery Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival by Traci Hall. Then stop back on Wednesday, August 26, when I’ll be featuring the suspenseful Safehouse Under Siege by Virginia Vaughan. Happy reading, friends—may your coffee be cozy, your TBR stack be tall, and your next chapter be irresistible!

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.