Murder With Motive - plenty of intrigue

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the very first page, Murder With Motive pulled me right in. Told through the first-person perspective of Sylvia Shipman—a young woman of privilege navigating the treacherous waters of 1920s New York—the novel is both engaging and suspenseful. This narrative choice is particularly effective, drawing the reader close to Sylvia’s thoughts and fears, and letting us uncover the truth alongside her. We only know what she knows, and that limited viewpoint builds tension and heightens every twist.

 

The story begins with the sudden and mysterious death of Sylvia’s uncle, who falls from a balcony during a high-society gala—on the very eve of the infamous stock market crash. The timing is suspicious, and though the family is quick to call it an accident or suicide, Sylvia isn’t convinced. She saw something—or rather, someone—that night. And her instincts won’t let her look away.

As the world around her scrambles to protect crumbling fortunes, Sylvia begins asking questions no one else wants to ask. Her search for answers takes her from glittering ballrooms to smoky jazz clubs and shadowy backstreets, where secrets and lies swirl just beneath the surface. Helping her is Miles, the new family chauffeur, who is as enigmatic as he is capable—and whose quiet strength and mystery make him the perfect sleuthing companion.

The mystery is well-paced, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece it all together. I found myself solving the case right alongside Sylvia, which made the final reveal all the more satisfying. The plot kept me guessing, but never felt convoluted or out of reach.

While the novel could benefit from some light editing to smooth grammar and a missing or extra word, its strengths far outweigh any minor issues. The pacing is brisk, the setting is richly atmospheric, and the dynamic between Sylvia and Miles is a delightful bonus.

Murder With Motive is a promising start to what I hope will be a long-running series. If you're a fan of historical mysteries with smart female leads, a hint of romance, and plenty of intrigue, this is one to add to your list.

 

The Indian and Me (Book 1) - richly woven saga

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

The Indian and Me is a captivating, character-driven historical romance that unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Revolutionary War. In this sweeping saga, Cathy Peebles delivers a timeless narrative propelled by vivid dialogue and rich character interaction—reminiscent of the classics by Jane Austen or Charles Dickens.

At its core, this is a love story—poignant, forbidden, and fraught with cultural and social tensions. Julia, a white British woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a greedy and cruel officer, finds herself drawn to Ki, a Native American man whose quiet strength and compassion offer a stark contrast to her suffocating life. Their bond deepens amidst the chaos of war and societal expectations, setting the stage for a dramatic and emotionally charged journey.

What sets this novel apart is its natural, immersive conversational prose. The dialogue doesn't just support the story—it is the story. Through the characters’ voices, Peebles reveals heartache, resilience, longing, and love, allowing readers to feel intimately connected to Julia and Ki’s journey. This approach gives the book a classic feel, where storytelling thrives on human connection and emotional depth.

While the manuscript could benefit from some gentle editing, it doesn’t detract from the reading experience. The story has all the hallmarks of a period drama—star-crossed lovers, family feuds, whispered scandals, near-death escapes—and it keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

The Indian and Me is a heartfelt tale of love, identity, and defiance in the face of societal boundaries. A richly woven saga that I highly recommend for fans of historical romance and classic storytelling.

 

A Tail of Twirls: A delightful tale for little readers

Recommended Ages: 3–6

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Step into a world of magic, movement, and imagination in A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina, the enchanting debut of the Kittina Ballerina’s Dance-Along Adventures series. From the award-winning creators at Once Upon A Dance, this delightful tale invites little readers to leap, twirl, and dream alongside a curious cat named Kit who stumbles upon a magical mirror in an abandoned dance studio.

 

With gentle pacing, age-appropriate language, and rich, captivating illustrations by Stella Maris Mongodi, this story captivates young children while connecting them to familiar actions, emotions, and events in their everyday lives. Large, expressive artwork brings each scene to life—making it easy for young readers to follow along, whether cuddled on a lap, snuggled beside you on the couch, or dancing right along with the story’s cues.

As Kit embarks on her twirling adventure, Ballerina Konora appears to inspire both Kit and your child to get up and move, transforming storytime into an interactive experience full of joy and connection. It’s a beautiful way to spark conversations about feelings, friendships, and dreams—all while encouraging physical movement and imaginative play.

A Tailof Twirls is more than a story—it’s a shared experience, a celebration of creativity, and a gentle invitation to dance into a world of wonder.

***

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

About the authors

Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories.

Their catalog of interactive dance books highlights positive messages and role models throughout four main series:
Dance-It-Out! stories combine whimsical tales with movement and subtle life lessons (spans ages 4-9)
Dancing Shapes peeks at a professional ballerina's journey, teaches ballet, and explores detail and form (spans ages 6-11)
Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts deep dives into technique, tips, and insight for aspiring dancers (ages 8-12)
Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun debuts in 2023 to encourage scarf and parachute play.

Once Upon a Dance was named a top 10 author of 2022 by Outstanding Creator Awards, and they’ve been honored by over 40 book awards, 1000+ 5-star reviews, and a Kirkus Star. They donate all royalties to charities supporting the arts, animals, environment, or people. Visit DanceStories.com for more info.

https://onceuponadance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/once_uponadance/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/20931758.Once_Upon_a_Dance
https://twitter.com/Terreld2
https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponADanceViralDancing
https://www.amazon.com.br/Once-Upon-a-Dance/e/B08PCB7FRN/

Southern Refuge: Cowboy Redeemed a captivating romantic suspense

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

In Southern Refuge: Cowboy Redeemed, Eliza McJames delivers a thrilling mix of romance, suspense, and emotional healing. The story follows a cowboy-turned-undercover agent, Ethan, and his intense, chemistry-filled relationship with Hazel, his sister’s best friend and college roommate. What started as a playful rivalry grows into something far more complicated after a key misunderstanding puts an end to their relationship, leaving them both heartbroken.

Years later, Hazel and Ethan are thrown back together through circumstances. Ethan is a determined and strong-willed cowboy used to navigating dangerous situations, and his attraction to Hazel is undeniable. She is unlike anyone else. With her sharp wit, smart mouth, and captivating presence, she challenges him in the best ways. Despite their undeniable chemistry, the fallout from their past leaves their relationship in limbo, and Ethan’s mission to win Hazel’s trust and affection forms the emotional core of the story.

 

Hazel is a vibrant, larger-than-life character, and her playful banter with Ethan adds a layer of humor to their dynamic. Their interactions are full of tension and heart as both characters confront their past and the misunderstandings that have kept them apart. As they navigate their shared history, their journey to rekindle their romance feels both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

McJames skillfully weaves suspense and danger into the narrative, keeping the stakes high while also exploring the personal growth and vulnerability of both characters. While Ethan’s determination to fix things with Hazel can be frustrating at times, it ultimately serves as a powerful catalyst for their emotional evolution and the rekindling of their love.

Overall, Southern Refuge: Cowboy Redeemed is a captivating read for fans of romantic suspense. With its blend of heart-pounding action and heartfelt romance, McJames has created a story that will keep readers hooked, delivering a satisfying, redemptive journey for the characters.

A Haunting Fusion of Hemingway and Lovecraft

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jorah Kai's The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu is a brilliant reimagining of Ernest Hemingway’s classic The Sun Also Rises, infused with a chilling Lovecraftian twist. Kai takes Hemingway’s disillusioned characters and places them into a surreal world where reality warps under the weight of cosmic horrors. The result is a haunting experience that blends Hemingway’s minimalist prose with Lovecraft’s psychological terror.

About the Book: The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu

Kai mirrors Hemingway’s characters—particularly Jack and Brett—perfectly but pushes them into a nightmarish reality where time, logic, and emotion break down. The sparse, direct style evokes deep emotions with minimal words, though the repetition typical of Hemingway's dialogue works here to amplify the tension. It’s a masterful use of the author’s signature approach to convey mental and emotional unraveling.

The horror in this novel isn’t cheap; it’s existential, slow-burning, and pervasive. Figures like Cthulhu and Nyarlathotep add an incomprehensible dread that mirrors the characters’ own internal struggles. The fear is not built on gore but on the creeping realization that human frailty means nothing in the face of an uncaring, vast cosmos.

BookHookup Review: The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu

Though I’m not deeply familiar with Lovecraft, I appreciated the way Kai integrated the cosmic elements. The epilogue is especially compelling, teasing a future mash-up with another well-known author that leaves you eager for more.

The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu is a triumph for both Hemingway and Lovecraft fans. Kai has crafted a journey through madness that seamlessly blends literary depth with cosmic horror. If you love Hemingway’s style and enjoy psychological terror, this is an unforgettable read.

While I may not be an avid Hemingway enthusiast, Jorah Kai’s skill in weaving his own unique narrative voice with the shadow of Hemingway’s prose shines through. As a fan of Kai’s fantasy work, I found The Sun Also Rises on Cthulhu to be a fascinating exploration of existential horror. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.

***

As BookHookup Reviews, I received an advance reader copy of this book and was not compensated for providing this review.