The face is a mask, vaguely leonine, narrowing from its enormous eyes to a snout of flared nostrils and a small mouth, twisted into what might be a grimace or a grin. The contours of the nose branch up into a network of wrinkles around the eyes, then extend out into fiddlehead ferns sprouting from […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/01/05/endless-organic-growth-el-salahi/

Buried Deep & The Lost Bones are novellas in the Widow’s Island Mystery Novella series that follow the local sherif and a retired FBI agent. Both live on Widow’s Island off the coast near Seattle. Romance, island life and murder await you….

Buried Bones
by Melinda Leigh
Series: Widow’s Island #7
Genres: Mystery
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

A college student’s murder shines light on community secrets left in the dark in the seventh Widow’s Island novella by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.

All communities have their secrets…but on Widow’s Island, there’s a skeleton in every closet, as Deputy Tessa Black knows all too well. When Tessa stumbles upon a half-buried body in the woods, a peaceful morning hike suddenly turns into a race to catch a killer.

Tessa identifies the skeletal corpse as Aurora Franklin, a young college student and aspiring actor. She’d come to Widow’s Island for a summer job, only to be strangled and discarded. Aurora has been dead for over a month—and not a single islander has reported her missing.

The investigation reveals a dangerous predator hiding in the Widow’s Island community. With her fiancé, park ranger Logan Wilde, by her side, Tessa must find Aurora’s murderer before they strike again.

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All the novellas in the Widow’s Island mystery series will work as standalone regarding the cases they solve. However, the romantic relationships and town happens have me recommending you read them in the order in which they are released.

In Buried Bones, Deputy Tessa Black is on a hike with her younger sister when they stumble upon a body partially buried. She calls in the local doctor/medical examiner to determine cause of death. When she discovers the young woman was murdered, Tessa and her fiancé, park ranger Logan Wilde, work to stop a killer.

This was a clever tale with plenty of twists and lots of trouble. Besides the case, we got updates on characters, that pesky hen and more. The romance is sweet and balances out the cases.

Fans of small-town/remote settings with strong suspense/mystery elements will enjoy Buried Bones and the Widow’s Island Mystery series. These are in kindle unlimited and audio.

Amazon | Audible*

The Lost Bones
by Kendra Elliot
Series: Widow’s Island #8
Genres: Mystery
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kendra Elliot comes the story of a former FBI agent who tackles an unsolved kidnapping in the eighth installment of the Widow’s Island Novella series.

When former FBI agent Cate Wilde moves back to Widow’s Island, she envisions a simpler life than the one she had in law enforcement. But Cate’s past has a habit of catching up with her. When she receives a mysterious package containing a child’s mandible, she finds herself thrust back into action.

The mandible leads Cate to an unsolved case she worked seven years ago—the kidnapping of a three-year-old girl. At the time, Cate suspected the girl was kidnapped by her overprotective father. But after they both vanished, the case went cold.

At the urging of the girl’s mother, Cate dives back into the case and learns her prime suspect may still be a threat. Armed with new clues and a fresh perspective, Cate must confront the possibility that the kidnapper is poised to strike again. But can she save his new child from the same fate before it’s too late?

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In the Lost Bones, a package containing a child’s mandible is delivered to the island and has former FBI agent Cate Wilde consulting on a child abduction cold case.

This was an interesting cold case that hooked me from the start. Cate’s fiancée, Henry, is the island’s only doctor and thus the medical examiner for the local sheriff’s department. Henry and Cate and enjoying life on the island. This case, however, has Cate determined to bring closure for the child’s mother. Henry will come to her aid. This was suspenseful as the case took them off island and placed them in peril.

We get updates and enjoy some happy moments that helped balance out the darker tones. Perfect for fans of mysteries with strong characters and a small-town vibe.

Amazon | Audible*

I enjoy the Widow’s Island Mystery series and recommend them for a cold winter’s night. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy. The series is available in Kindle Unlimited for ebook & audio.

Buried Deep & The Lost Bones by Melinda Leigh delivered murder-mysteries, small-town moments and a side dish of romance. #bookreview #WidowsIslandMysteries #Novellas
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*Available in ebook & audio with KindleUnlimited

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/01/buried-deep-the-lost-bones-by-melinda-leigh.html

In this illustrated children’s book, The Witch’s Family, written by JJ Page, we follow a young Witch with a large family of pets that she cares for dearly and works hard studying every day. However, it soon all becomes too overwhelming for her, and she ends up getting sick. She is then taken care of in turn by her chosen family and friends. This is a magically fantastical story about friendship and family.

I absolutely loved this story; I didn’t want the story to end. Having friends and family, you can rely on is so important in life. We all need help from time to time, and it’s good to know someone has your back in times of need.

The book’s message was well thought out, and I could feel that there is so much world-building that isn’t even mentioned directly but is just given through the poetic prose of the text and the beauty of the illustrations. It reminded me immensely of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ in all the best ways. The Witch’s pets, whom she called her family, were all so varied in species and size that they brought feelings of acceptance, which I feel is also an important lesson for young readers to understand.

The Witch’s Family is an inspirational picture book filled with the message of kindness, compassion, and caring for those in need. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone of any age because it is just such a beautiful story that is delivered masterfully. It would make an excellent addition to a home or school library to help young elementary children understand acceptance and compassion.

Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0BGW61M4B

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/05/the-witchs-family/

The title of this fascinating book instantly grabs readers, Freeman Explains:  The Things That Can Change, That Should Change. This is because the content in the book is literally what the title states. The author Dr. Michael J. Freeman is direct and gives readers exactly what the title promises. This book summarizes what happens in society and what is wrong with people’s approach regarding pertinent issues. Freeman is intentional and weighs on issues before offering a solution. The author examines the problem, digs down to the root, and analyzes every aspect of the issue before giving his final take.

There are multiple issues discussed in the book, but there is one particular topic that I am grateful for the most; Kids and pornography. This is a sensitive subject to some and is even outlawed in certain cultures. In Freeman’s book, however, the reader is given a clear perspective on the harm pornography causes to young minds. Freeman writes about the harm of pornography and how the internet, despite making life easier, is causing tremendous damage as anyone can access whichever content they please. The author hopes that internet pornography can be regulated. He even offers strategic solutions to this problem, giving rational answers to anyone with questions.

Other than pornography, Freeman also tackles more than a dozen other topics. Like the title suggests, Freeman explains things you need to know as a human being and a citizen of the world. Contemporary issues need modern solutions, and the author is here to do just that, offer sensible and logical solutions. I also enjoyed reading about drug problems, healthcare, politics and policymaking, medicine, religion, marriage, sex, education, voting rights, and civic education. Readers will get a discussion on almost all topics law-makers debate about.

What I like most about the author is his passion for children and young people. One can see the genuine concern he has through his text. He will share with you why children need to be protected and how every responsible adult can do it. Two of my favorite texts in the book are ‘Without perspective, you know nothing’ and ‘you don’t know what you don’t know.’ Both phases are in reference to children or young minds. On issues like pornography, children may not be able to know what is good for them and what is not because they are yet to see or experience what adults already have. Simply put, they lack perspective and thus don’t know anything.

Dr. Michael J. Freeman and his work are the true definition of ‘with age comes wisdom.’ The author, having experienced an eventful life, understands what ails society and knows what should be encouraged. Reading his thoughts was refreshing, as one can tell that the author is not influenced by modern trends. Freeman openly shared his takes and explained in detail his views. This thought-provoking book is perfect for those interested in how the modern world is shaping children and their futures.

Pages: 213 | ASIN : B0BLXW5PMH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/05/freeman-explains/

In Be A Spider, Build A Web: Sticky Content Marketing For Small Business, Rachel Klaver teaches small business owners how to run their businesses and make use of social media for marketing. The author uses straightforward language and relatable examples that every small and medium business owner is familiar with. Rachel Klaver’s writing is different in that she only writes about what she has seen or experienced, not assumptions. Rachel Klaver works with data and statistics, and trends. This book does not feel technical in any way despite the author mixing business and marketing jargon in a few chapters.

This informative book is marketing 101 for the modern merchant. How much visibility does your business have? Are you active on social media? If so, how much social media presence do you have? Do you know how to entice customers? Are you aware of tools to use online to market and expand your business? The author answers these and related questions for all entrepreneurs. Rachel Klaver writes her answers with clarity and explains even the most basic terms understood by readers unfamiliar with marketing terms.

Rachel Klaver wrote a terrific book for business enthusiasts and people who have a passion for content marketing but do not know where to start. There are multiple gems included in this book when it comes to marketing, especially digital marketing. Using the spider analogy, Rachel Klaver describes how to build a spider web in marketing and ways of drawing people in. From her explanation, one can feel how smooth the process appears. You only need to set your mind to it, focus, and use the tips she has shared across the chapters.

Having been in business herself, Rachel Klaver understands what causes a business to fail or have few clients. I like that the author was vulnerable enough to share her mistakes in her business days, as it made her writing authentic. Tales from her past are intriguing to read, and one can draw crucial business lessons from them. I also like it when the author writes about her wins and how she did influencer marketing before it was a cool thing to do. Rachel Klaver knows how to engage with her readers and is likable. Her approach to writing showcases her process for content marketing in the age of social media. Many books discuss digital marketing, but none reads like Rachel Klaver’s.

In Be A Spider, Build A Web: Sticky Content Marketing For Small Business, Rachel Klaver will take you through every step of content marketing, both the easy and multifaceted parts, and guide you on how to be the best. This informative book will help take your small business to new levels online by creating content that will attract and retain visitors.

Pages: 265 | ASIN : B0B45HWQW9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/05/be-a-spider-build-a-web/

Morgan wanted out. After spending her childhood with her abusive mother, alcoholic father, and successful sister, she wanted nothing more than to carve her own path in life as a film director. Likewise, Alayna wished to have a picture-perfect family, even if it meant putting her dreams of singing behind her. Separated by the trauma of their past and brought back together by the death of their mother, these two sisters want nothing more than to move on with their lives. But that’s easier said than done, especially when home means old ghosts are lurking around every corner.

Inspired by the music of Lana Del Rey, author Zachary Ryan tells the compelling story of two sisters trapped by circumstance and family ties as they try to right the wrongs of the past in his newest novel, Ride. The story itself is a beautifully written tale of trauma and healing. As the chapters flip between Alayna’s and Morgan’s perspectives, the reader is welcomed to the full scope of the story and both sides of the sister’s harsh upbringing. In this gripping book, Ryan doesn’t stray away from difficult topics such as suicide and drug abuse but accepts them as a brutal part of life. His willingness to discuss both the good and the bad brings the story to life.

Zachary Ryan tells a narrative that makes it hard not to feel genuine sympathy as you watch the sisters work their way through old ghosts and drudge up long-buried trauma. He writes the story in a way that allows you to bury yourself under the words. With the exception of a few jarring jumps between past and present, this book was a captivating and smooth read, and I found it hard not to put it down.

Ride is a compelling women’s fiction novel about the strained relationship between sisters and the struggle to work through past trauma. Readers will be taken on a journey of self-discovery and reflection as the sisters heal from their upbringing and find a way to move forward in life.

Pages: 326

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/05/ride/

How to Bust a Player is a romantic novel filled with humor. This entertaining novel follows the story of three friends, Myisha, Rochelle, and Shalece, as they contend with the messy side of relationships. Throughout their years of marriage and dating, they have come to know that unfaithful men are just a part of the game. That is why they learned how to bust a player, and now they’re teaching you. The novel is a spin on the 90s film, How to Be a Player. If you enjoy books with themes like Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment, this book may be for you.

Author Jerri Smith-Baker starts the story with background information on how men and women operate, particularly in sexual and intimate relationships. The provocative language used in the book is not for the faint of heart. However, Jerri is blunt and honest with her descriptions and assessments.

The story’s plot is captivating, and I wanted to know more about these women and their stories. I found myself connecting with Myisha, Rochelle, and Shalece because they are hard-working women who have had bad experiences dating, and at the end of the day, they are there for each other. I felt like I was reading a play, especially the way the author sets up each of the women’s backstories for the reader.

How to Bust a Player follows three women who experience love, lust, and disappointments, but at the end of the day, they are strong women who just want to be in a committed relationship. I recommend this book to those who want to enjoy a story of friendship and the trials and tribulations of relationships.

Pages: 192 | ISBN: 145209716X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/05/how-to-bust-a-player/