Tag Archives: Fiction

Songs of the Silent Ones by Michael Wells Ball-review

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Songs of the Silent Ones by Michael Wells Ball-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 1, 2026

In the remote northern reaches of 14th-century Norway, hidden beyond mountains and untouched by kings, a silent clan lives in harmony—communicating not with words, but through dance.

Their way of life has endured for generations.

But now, it is under threat.

As forces from the south push north to claim the land in the name of a distant king, the people of Njuorjojávri must face a world they were never meant to survive—one ruled by power, conquest, and spoken command.

At the heart of the story are two brothers… and the women they love.

As love, loyalty, and identity are tested, one question remains:

Can a people without words survive in a world built on them?

****

In Book Two, one brother makes an unthinkable choice—to enter the enemy’s world and seek peace from within, despite not speaking a single word of their language.

As love, loyalty, and identity are tested, one question remains:

Can a people without words survive in a world built on them?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: I picked up Songs of the Silent Ones with curiosity, it’s not my usual read, and I did wonder if I’d get through it!

A silent clan in 14th century Norway who communicate entirely through dance? 🤨

It sounded like a premise that could either soar with originality or collapse under its own weight. I’m happy to report it mostly soars.

The story unfolds in the remote northern reaches, following the people of Njuorjojávri as their ancient, wordless way of life collides with the expanding ambitions of southern powers under Queen Margaret’s era.

What I really liked the most was the world building. The author makes us feel how the people dance to communicate…. a slow, deliberate turn of the wrist might convey grief, a synchronised leap joy or warning.

I found myself visualizing scenes like a living performance, which is rare in historical fiction.

At the heart are two brothers and the women they love, split across the two books (or parts) mentioned. Book One delivers raw tension as a young couple is ripped apart by a ruthless warlord. The desperation, the physicality of their flight and fight, lands with visceral impact.

There’s a grounded sense of peril, starvation, exposure, betrayal, that never feels over the top.

****

Book Two shifts gears as one brother ventures into the enemy’s world, attempting diplomacy without a shared spoken language.

This section explores identity and sacrifice , raising sharp questions about assimilation, loyalty, and what “peace” really costs a culture.

What moved me most was the quiet (pun intended) exploration of love and belonging. Love here isn’t just romantic, it’s in the fabric of the community, it’s survival through touch, rhythm, and shared silence. Voices are sacred, reserved for song.

The women in the story feel fully realized, not props for the brothers’ arcs, which is refreshing.

That said, it’s not flawless. The premise is so unique that some parts feel a touch heavy. Pacing in the second half occasionally stretches during the brother’s internal struggles, though it pays off in the end.

Overall, Songs of the Silent Ones is a heartfelt, imaginative story that lingers. It’s about more than survival against conquest, it’s about whether a people defined by what they don’t say can endure when the world demands they speak its language.

I liked it, I just didn’t love it. Maybe because it’s not my usual read. Maybe too much history and not enough of the other stuff (people/emotions)

I’d recommend it especially to fans of historical fiction quite happily.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

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The Salamander (The Dawn of America 2) by Regan Walker -review

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The Salamander (The Dawn of America series Book 2) by Regan Walker

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2026

Captain Jonathan Haraden’s coldblooded courage earned him the nickname “the Salamander”. Like the creature of old, his crew believed him immune to the fires of battle. At the Revolution’s outbreak, he joined the militia guarding the seacoast, yet his true calling lay on the open sea, and it soon drew him into the fledgling Massachusetts Navy.

A dashing sea captain, tall and handsome, Jon captured hearts as easily as he captured ships, but his own belonged to Hannah, his young wife he lost to fever as the Revolution began. Devastated, he sets sail with a vengeance, entrusting his young daughters to Eunice Mason, a preacher’s daughter and young widow whose quiet strength steadies his home.

Commanding the Tyrannicide, Jon seizes British prizes and vital dispatches for General Washington. But chafing at the state’s inefficiencies and hungry for greater freedom, he accepts command of the privateer General Pickering, backed by Salem merchants who hail his daring and skill. Adored by his crew and feared by the enemy, Jon soon becomes a legend, capturing ships with unmatched audacity. Yet he wonders if he will ever find room in his heart for love again — or will the sea be his only mistress?

••••••••

REVIEW: The Salamander by Regan Walker is an historical romance set during the American Revolutionary War.

I’ve not read anything by this author before, nor the first book in this series, but I intend to go back at some point as I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

The story follows Jon, a sea captain who loses his beloved young wife Hannah to fever just as the Revolution erupts, leaving him grieving and raising two young daughters. 😢

Devastated, he throws himself into naval service, first with the Massachusetts Navy, capturing British prizes and delivering vital intelligence to General Washington. He leaves the navy to become a privateer, (he was unhappy with delays and excuses.)

At home, his daughters are cared for by Eunice Mason, she’s a preachers daughter, so ideal to look after children, she’s a widow herself, she might be meek and quiet, but Eunice is no pushover. And her steady presence brings stability, and slowly, perhaps, the possibility of new love. 🤔

Jon and his crew are becoming a legend. His dating raids make him a feared man among enemies and a hero to his crew.

I have to admit, I grew to like the nautical action, vivid descriptions of sea battles, privateering exploits, and the tension.

Jon’s internal struggle (the sea as his mistress vs. opening his heart again) had me keeping my fingers crossed for him and Eunice.

Jon’s daughters (Hannah and Polly) were cute, and I did want a little more time with them.

This does focus more on the man/the legend, rather than the romance. But the story was so fascinating, that it really didn’t need romance.

If you enjoy Revolutionary War fiction with brave sea captains, second chance romance, strong family bonds, and the thrill of privateering this is the one for you.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

Award-winning author of historical novels
Signup for Regan’s Newsletter and get all the news, new releases and deals… and you might win a book! http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com/

Award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romantic historical fiction. Also an avid reader/reviewer of historical love stories set in the 19th century or earlier. Author website: www.reganwalkerauthor.com. Historical Romance Review blog: reganromancereview.blogspot.com.

My stories will sweep you away, I promise. They are historically authentic with real historical figures. I do hundreds of hours of research for each book.

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Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Crossroads, Texas, is a town of second chances in this new small town romance series from Sharon Sala, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Blessings, Georgia series.

Asher Kingston is a special investigator for the Texas Attorney General’s office in Austin, TX. When he gets a call that his dad has been injured in an attempted robbery of his bar, he rounds up his two brothers and heads back to Crossroads. During visiting hours at the hospital, Nora Borden, Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their friendship. Nora is a high-profile computer tech with a high security clearance; Asher claims his job too unpredictable for relationships. But before long, their romance rekindles as well. Together they unravel a case long gone cold to find out what happened in the bar late that night and to clear the Kingston family name.

 

 

Review:

Midnight by Sharon Sala is the 2nd book in her Crosswoods series. The story starts off with a robbery, that involved Brenda Kingston, who was having an affair with Pete Brant.  Pete told Brenda to hide the money inside her house in the basement.  In fear, Brenda ended up killing herself, and Pete Brant was sentence to jail.  Now 21 years later, Pete Brant died in prison, and his two sons are determined to find the missing money.

Asher Kingston, who is 32 years old, is an investigator for the State Attorney General in Austin. He receives a phone call from the police that his father was shot, and in serious condition.  He learns from Pearl, who managed to find Jacob, and calls for emergency help, keeping him alive.  

Gunner Kingston, who is 27 years old, is a homicide detective in Dallas, Texas; Gunner flies’ home to help. Dylan Kingston, who is 29 years old, lives in Austin and is engaged to Angie.  Nora Borden returns home to Crossroads to sell and clean her family’s home. Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their love. Nora helps Asher, as well as Gunner and Dylan to help her knowledge of IT.   

The Brant boys, Everett and Freddie, are determined to find the money (1 Million) somewhere inside the basement.  Everett was the one who shot Jacob, and they tried to hide their identity, hoping Jacob would die. Gunner, Asher and Dylan are quietly trying to see who the culprits are, until they discover their identity.  All three of them decided to look in the basement, where they finally found the money.  The FBI is called, and the family helps the FBI to manage to take the money.  The local police chief will work with the Kingston boys as they will lay traps to capture Everett & Freddie.

What follows is that Jacob will recover, and he will know that Pearl was the perfect person for him.  Asher and Nora are very much in love, and she will move to Austin, after selling her family home. Dylan and Angie get married, and Gunner returns to Dallas, as he is a great detective. 

Midnight was a terrific, intense and love story, especially with the Kingston family. I really enjoyed this story, with so much going on.  Midnight was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  Great story that held my attention throughout.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

 

 

 

Review:

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts is the third and final book in her wonderful Lost Bride Trilogy. Refresher: Sonya MacTavish inherited a magnificent, haunted manor with a heartbreaking history.  Over a period of years, seven brides came to the mansion, and seven brides died at the hands of Hester Dobbs, an evil witch spirit, who sent each of them to their deaths, in a jealous fit of rage: thereby cursing the house and all future brides.

Sonya is a descendant of the Poole family, along with Owen Poole; as she has the gift of sight, enabling her to see through the mirror, learning about the past brides and ghosts.  Sonya and her three companions (Cleo, Trey and Owen) continue to search to find the stolen wedding rings.  Sonya and Cleo look into the furniture/rooms to restore everything to its former glory; Trey and Owen also spend nights at the mansion, with both very much in love (Trey with Sonya, and Cleo with Owen). With new revelations, as well as light, laughter and love; which will bring happiness to the group; but they still need to deal with Hester’s constant evil dangerous rage.

Sonya searches all the various rooms, to find clues to her family’s past, putting pictures/photos, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. Sonya with help from Cleo, were determined to  fix up this haunted manor, with people, life and hope, once again. I loved Clover, who was great with her songs.  I adored Yoda (dog) playing with Jack; and got a kick out of Molly, always cleaning things up. I did adore all the dogs and the cat. 

The Seven Rings was an emotional ghost story, and the ties bonded them together. It was a story of good and evil, romance, heartwarming, fiction and thrilling. The Seven Rings was so very well written by Nora Roberts.   It was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto – a Review

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Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q, Sutanto – a Review

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Description:
Izzy Chen is dreading her family’s annual Chinese New Year celebration, where they all come together at a Michelin-starred restaurant to flaunt their status and successes in hopes to one up each other. So when her seventy-three-year-old glamorous and formidable grandmother walks in with a stunning woman on her arm and kisses her in front of everyone, it shakes Izzy to her core. She’d always considered herself the black sheep of the family for harboring similar feelings to the ones her Nainai just displayed.

Seeing herself in her teenage granddaughter’s struggles with identity and acceptance, Magnolia Chen tells Izzy her own story, of how as a teen she was sent by her Indo-Chinese parents from Jakarta to Los Angeles for her education and fell in love with someone completely forbidden to her by both culture and gender norms—Ellery, an American college student who became Magnolia’s best friend and the love of her life. Stretching across decades and continents, Magnolia’s star-crossed love story reveals how life can take unexpected turns but ultimately lead you to exactly who you’re meant to be.

 

 

Review:

Next Time it Will be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a standalone novel.   Magnolia Chen is the matriarch of her family, and her granddaughter is intrigued about her grandmother’s life.  Magnolia begins to tell Izzy (granddaughter) about her past, when she was sent from Jakarta to Los Angeles for school, at the age of sixteen.  Her sister, Iris, awaits her on her arrival, as they will be living together; even though she knows her older sister wants nothing to do with her.   Magnolia and her rebellious sister Iris had a difficult time in the early years, but over time things changed.  

Over the course of decades and continents, Magnolia meets a college student, Ellery, who was 22 and Magnolia was 16.  They became best friends, and I loved how Magnolia always viewed Ellery as the love of her life, since they truly were soulmates.  This was truly a wonderful love story.

Magnolia was an amazing character, with a fabulous story to tell. Over the years, Magnolia learned what she needed to do throughout her life, with her strength and happiness. A beautiful story of love, loss, finding herself, making the hard choices in life, sometimes breaking your own heart in the process.  Magnolia lived a long life, married with children, and the eventual loss of her sister, as well as Ellery. 

Next Time Will Be Our Turn was a wonderful story, about family, love, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, and even living with a sister, daughter, wife and love of her life. Next Time Will be Our Turn was so very well written by Jesse Q. Sutanto.  I suggest you read this wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery – a Review

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Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery – a Review

 

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Description:
When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

 

 

 

Review:

Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery is a standalone novel. The story flashes back 24 years, when a girl (Cindy) was pregnant; and she became close to a couple, Ava & Milton, who wanted the unborn child. When the baby was born, Cindy changed her mind and decided to keep her baby girl. A few months later, Ava and Milton adopted a baby girl.

Now all those years later, when Cindy is planning her own wedding, and Ava’s wants to plan her husband’s birthday; they accidentally run into each other, at the venue.  Both Ava and Cindy, with each of their daughters, realize that they know each other; with Victoria and Shannon learning the secrets about their parents.

Cindy is engaged and happy, and her daughter Shannon has a boyfriend, who she plans to marry; keeping a secret till after her mother gets married. Ava and Milton are also happy, with Victoria being a stunt women/ scriptwriter. Victoria was injured on the set and is forced to recover at her parents’ house; not thrilled about having to stay with them.

It was depressing, due to when the former friends ran into them, and the revelations of the past, that separated Ava and Cindy. As the four of them face problems with both mother and daughters struggling with the knowledge of current situations. Shannon and Victoria must deal with the fallout from decisions with their mothers made in the past.

Otherwise Engaged was a rocky emotional story, with all four women needing to heal and forgive. All four ladies carried secrets that were intense.  Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery was so very well written. Great book that I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

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The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White – a Review

 

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Description:

People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans. Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.

Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak. 

That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets.  And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest.  Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. .

 

 

 

Review:

The Lady on Esplanade by Karen White is the 3rd book in her Royal Street series. Nola Trenholm is renovating her new home in New Orleans, with vengeful ghosts, psychic gifts, unsolved murders; with her business partner and reluctant psychic, Beau Ryan. We meet a few new characters and get to know some old characters a bit better, with each of them playing major parts in the story, adding charm & humor to the story.

There continued to be a mystery surrounding Beau’s family, and Nola’s determination to discover the truths behind the Esplanade house.  Nola and her friend Jolene investigate a mystery involving ghostly spirits that are under renovation. The supernatural elements lead to an old murder case involving the death of Adele, with ghosts and psychics that gives us suspense and hints of danger.

I loved some of the wonderful characters, such as Sarah, who was only 13 years old, with her ability to see and hear ghosts; she was a fantastic addition, helping Nola reveal what the ghosts are telling her.  I also loved Nola’s best friend, Jolene. She too was a fun and awesome character, helping to cook for others, and helping Nola dress good.  I did like Beau, though somewhere they will eventually find a way for them to discover their real feelings.

The Lady on Esplanade is a story that is packed with tension, humor, intrigue, and suspense. What follows is the mystery as well why the ghosts continue to haunt the house on Esplanade; with Beau helping to rescue Nola.

The Lady on Esplanade was so very well written by Karen White, which was an excellent story, with a fabulous heroine in Nola. There was so much history in New Orleans, with ghosts, mystery, suspense and historical homes. Karen White once again gives us a fabulous addition to this series, and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

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Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

 

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Description:
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing magic that must be guarded. The collection is known as the of Books of Dubious Origin.

Here, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.

With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to embrace her destiny.

 

 

Review:

Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay is an enchanting cozy story about a librarian who learns that she is descended to a long line of powerful witches.  Zoe Ziakas lives a quiet life as a librarian in a small town in Connecticut. She likes her quiet life and loves her job. A mysterious book arrives on her desk, with an envelope addressed to her; which looked like her deceased mother’s handwriting.  When the book ends up outside her house, she decides to consult Agatha (her aunt), who also happens to be a witch. Agatha thinks it best that Zoe should visit the Museum of Literature in New York City and speak with the director, Claire Carpenter.

Zoe will learn that she is the last descendant of a family of witches, and the black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother.  The museum houses lots of odd volumes, including the called Books of Dubious Origin. At first, Zoe doesn’t want to stay at the museum, always goes back home. She had promised her mother that she would never explore her heritage, leading her to discover reveals of her family’s fate, and the immense powers drawing Zoe to accept her past and embrace her destiny.  Zoe is very smart, confident in her librarian abilities, researcher, as well as having a fantastic memory.

Zoe gets help from the staff of the Books of Dubious Origin, who are amazing. All of them were a great group; Olive, Jasper, Miles, Tariq, with all helping each of them to fight off danger. Over time, there were a lot of encounters with ghosts and the undead; not to mention an evil enemy.

Witches of Dubious Origin was an exciting, enchanting, fun, magic, supernatural and books filled with spells.  Zoe will find her found family, embrace her destiny, uncover secrets, and learn more of the power of books and knowledge. Witches of Dubious Origin was very well written by Jenn McKinley. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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