The Glass Eel

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What the Book is About:  In this gripping debut thriller, struggling divorcée Jeanette King becomes embroiled in a criminal ring when she discovers her ex-husband’s cache of baby eels.

Caterpillar Island is off the central coast of Maine―beloved vacationland of lobster bakes and quaint fried clam shacks, kayaking and country houses. At night, though, by the light of a headlamp, the island is alive with cash, guns, and poachers. Oxy addicts, struggling retirees, and unemployable deadbeats dip their nets in the creeks to catch elvers―two-inch-long baby eels that fetch $2000 a pound on the international black market.

Into this dark and dangerous world falls Jeanette King, who has, up to this moment, been earning her meager living mainly by picking and packaging peekytoe crab meat for shipment to New York and Boston. As Jeanette gets drawn into a fast-moving story of risk and violent consequences, she enlists the aid of a local policeman and an Indigenous activist. Together they try to set things right for the people and the planet. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things get. An ensuing procession of colorful locals, corrupt state politicians, and treacherous outsiders weaves a tale that reveals the underbelly of a deadly business.

Advance Praise for THE GLASS EEL: 

"The Glass Eel meets all my standards for fiction: an engrossing and highly imaginative plot; vivid characters; the revelation of a world completely unknown to me; and a narrative style that pulled me right along. Two bonuses: stunning nature writing and hilarious lines that lighten the plot at absolutely critical moments."

― Daniel Okrent, prize-winning author of The Guarded Gate

"Now here’s a world I knew nothing about, but thanks to this wonderful novel I’m completely engrossed in the lives of the characters who inhabit the fisheries of Maine. The Viertels bring them brilliantly to life―I can still taste the saltwater. What a triumph!"

― Lawrence Wright, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Plague Year

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Glass Eel peeked my interest given the setting was the coast of Maine.  Having gotten my MBA at the University of Maine (Orono), I really enjoy stories set in Maine (especially the coast). 

The Glass Eel was a crazy story with so many twists, it ended up being a "can't put it down and I just need to read one more chapter" kind of book.  Loved the characters Jeanette, Jesse and Toland.  They got themselves right in the middle of an illegal glass eel ring and were trying to figure out who the really bad guys behind it were.  Turned out there were several.  Jeanette's ex-husband was a pawn in the scheme, which is how she stumbled into it all. 

The book had so pretty gruesome details, but not over the top and nothing that kept me awake at night. There were a lot of back stories, characters and twists in the book.  There were easy to keep track of and follow along as it was really well written. 

I also really liked the chapters sprinkled in about the crab and the eel.  They weave themselves through the story and it was a perfect fit. 

I can't believe this is J.J. Viertel's (father and son) book but they need to write a lot of more them. 

J.J. Viertel is the pseudonym used by the father-son writing team of Jack and Josh Viertel who live in Maine and New York. Prior to writing this novel, Jack Viertel has been instrumental in bringing many Tony winning new plays, musicals and revivals to theaters, including ANGELS IN AMERICA, Jerry Zaks’s legendary production of GUYS AND DOLLS, GRAND HOTEL, CITY OF ANGELS, JELLY'S LAST JAM, the Brian Dennehy production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN, PROOF, DOUBT, THE PRODUCERS, BOOK OF MORMON, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! And TAKE ME OUT. He produced the revival of GYPSY and the critically acclaimed revival of FINIAN’S RAINBOW. He was a co-producer and conceiver of the longest running musical revue in Broadway history, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, the conceiver of the critically acclaimed AFTER MIDNIGHT, and served as the dramaturg for HAIRSPRAY, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, A CHRISTMAS STORY and THE OUTSIDERS. The musical and movie THE PROM were developed from his original concept. Josh Viertel is listed as one of the seven most powerful voices in the food movement by Forbes and Michael Pollan, has been named a Hunt Prime Mover, selected as a Rockwood Leadership Fellow, named President of Slow Food USA, and is co-founder and director of the Yale Sustainable Food Project.

When they aren’t writing crime thrillers together, they each have their own careers: Jack creates Broadway plays and musicals, and Josh creates organic farms. Josh is a fly fisherman and bow hunter and Jack is a scuba diver and barbecue chef. In addition to writing, they play the blues together.

Connect with Jack Viertel: 

Jack’s Website: jackviertel.com

Jack’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jack.viertel/

Jack’s Bluesky: @jackviertel.bsky.social

Connect with Josh Viertel: 

Josh’s Instagram: @joshviertel

Josh’s X/Twitter: @JoshViertel

Josh’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshviertel/

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Head Witch In Charge

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What the Book is About:  It’s the curse of every family’s heir to be the responsible one. My family being the most powerful family in all of Witchingdom doesn’t eliminate that fact, it only makes it worse—and that’s why I, Leona Amber Sherwood, never do the unexpected. Except for that one time I did.

Believe me, I have rued the day that I got married in a midnight ceremony under a full moon to Erik Svensen, the heir to my family’s deepest, bitterest enemies, and now, he won’t agree to a divorce unless we return an ancient spell book to his family’s secured facility.

But on our road trip to return the book, I learn more about Erik as we encounter trolls, nymphs, satyrs, and more. The longer we work together, the more I’m convinced that he might not be the evil trickster I assumed he was. Any more time together will leave me even more enchanted with my husband and that’s the last thing I want. And if I keep telling myself that, maybe I'll start to believe it.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Like all the other Avery Flynn books I have read.....Loved it!  I really got a kick out of Leona and Erik. They were both funny and yet serious. They both had some family issues that they were trying to solve. Leona on who she would marry that would be acceptable to her parents and that she could spend the rest of her life with and Erik who was trying to get out from underneath his evil father's plans and save his siblings at the same time. 

Laugh out load scene are followed by some steamy ones, which makes this a perfect RomCom. 

Little did I know that I was reading book 2 of the Witchdom series.  It was a perfect standalone book, however, I can't wait to go back and read book 1 (Witcha Gonna Do?)

Super quick read, great and funny characters, magical world (witchdom/wizards/trolls/pixies that make it really fun), happy ending and some steamy scenes.

A witchy story is perfect this time of year!

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband, and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She lives outside of Washington, D.C., with her family, Dwight the cat, and a pack of five dogs all named after food. If she’s not reading romance or binging reality TV, she’s most definitely plotting to take over the world so she can banish Crocs from existence.

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Checking Mr. Wrong

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About:  I’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those.

Mabel
Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment. (Yes, that one. No, I don’t want to talk about it.)

When my editor sends me to cover the NHL’s shiny new team, the Ice Breakers, I’m all in—until I meet Asher Tremblay. He’s their too-charming defenseman with a knack for wrecking my focus and my sanity. Equal parts infuriating and irresistible, but falling for him? Not on my agenda. Nope.

Asher
I’ve worked my whole life to make it in the NHL. A new team means a fresh start, and I won’t let anything distract me—least of all a snarky reporter who seems determined to hate me on sight.

But the more I see Mabel, the more I want to know what’s behind her walls. She’s fire and chaos, and I’ve spent my whole life playing it safe. Maybe she’s exactly what I need. I came to Maple Falls to chase my dream, but now all I want is her.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  LOVED IT!  Checking Mr. Wrong is part of the Love in Maple Falls series.  I would say it is part 2 of the Love on Thin Ice series.  Seven different authors (most of my favorites) each write a different book in the both series.  It is so much fun. Of course given that the main themes romcom, hockey, cute town, wonderful people and fall.....what more could one ask for?

Mabel is a great character that comes back home to Maple Falls to an overachiever for a mother. She is working through some pretty big issues that were aired on national television. I really love how she is able to sort through everything, including her relationship with her mother.  I really do love strong female characters and Mabel is one for sure.

Asher is not what I would call your typically hockey player.  He is also suffering from OCD, which was triggered by an accident when he was a child.  I really appreciated learning more about OCD and how it affects a person.  Throughout the book Asher has different things he does to help with it and I love the team has a support group and other players notice little hints and do not judge him.  Well done, Anne! 

Of course (since it is a romcom), Mabel and Asher are able to get through it all and fall in love.  Great story and perfect for this fall (or anytime)!  I can't wait to read the rest of the series.  Checking Mr. Wrong is a 5 stars, must read kind of book!

PS - you don't have to read the books in order, but you can!!!

August 13: Fake-Off with Fate - Whitney Dineen

August 20: Offside and Off-Limits - Kate O'Keeffe

August 27: Checking Mr. Wrong - Anne Kemp

September 3: Skating and Fake Dating - Ellie Hall

September 10: Goalie and the Girl Next Door - Elsie Woods

September 17: Soulmates and Slapshots- Melissa Baldwin

September 24: The Icing on the Cake - Grace Worthington

Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.

Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.

You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com

On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp

On TikTok: @annekempauthor

Fake-Off with Fate-Whitney: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHBWRN4M

Offside and Off-limits - Kate: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHMQ1KJS

Soulmates and Slapshots- Melissa: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHRFXJQB

Skating & Fake Dating - Ellie: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHNFW617

Goalie and the Girl Next Door - Elsie: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHQV2VC9

Checking Mr. Wrong - Anne: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHTGDWHZ

The Icing on the Cake - Grace: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR7L3F4R

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Risky Assets

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What's It About:  Risky Assets, the sequel to Trading Secrets in Eckles’s series featuring financier Celeste Donovan, is brimming with mystery and failed alliances. Celeste appears to have everything a modern woman dreams of—a doting fiancé, a penthouse apartment, and a supermodel’s physique with a mathematician’s mind. But all that glitters is not gold.

A high-powered finance executive with a dark past, she has experienced unspeakable loss at the hand of her abusive ex, Omar. She has healed from the trauma now and is ready to move on as one of the world’s richest women and settle back into her glamorous jet-setting lifestyle.

As Celeste sets out to plan her future, she realizes she cannot live the rest of her life in fear that Omar will strike again. She vows to get rid of him and anyone else who stands in the way of the happy ending she’s fighting for. Her plans become complicated after discovering that Omar has become an agent of the US government. When her friends approach her to finally join forces with them and rogue federal agents, she’s boxed into a corner.

Now Celeste is living with secrets so tortured that if discovered, they could destroy what she’s so carefully built. Will she be successful in making the world a safer place? Or will her appetite for vengeance jeopardize it all?

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I loved the first book in the series, Trading Secrets.  So much so, that I have a list of "look for sequel" and was excited when I learned Risky Assets was available. 

Risky Assets picks up where Trading Secrets left us all on cliff....dangling and wanting more.  It is divided into two parts.  I did find Part I to be a tad slow, however, it is needed to set us up for Part II.  It is especially needed if you haven't read Trading Secrets (I highly recommend you read them in order). Once I hit Part II it was extremely hard to put down. I needed to find out who was behind the sabotage and questioning all the characters in my own mind had me turning page after page.  

Very engaging, keeps you on your toes, great characters, lots of different travel scenes, tons of sex, and some revenge! Celeste is my favorite character as she is a strong, smart and driven female. I like how she brings back characters from Trading Secrets and keeps the story going.  I can't wait for book 3, Blind Trust.  I have a feeling it will be a page turner.

Rachel Eckles is an amazing author (love that she is from the midwest) with talent that grabs you, pulls you in to the book and you can't (don't want to) escape.  She is a "must read one more chapter" type of author.  

An Indiana native, Rachael Eckles moved to New York City after law school. There, she worked in the finance industry, where she found inspiration for the elusive Trading Secrets world. She currently lives in Manhattan, where she is working on her next novel.

Rachael donates a portion of her proceeds to local and global programs that empower women and girls through her foundation, Aphrodite Gives.

rachaeleckles.com

instagram.com/rachaeleckles

TikTok - @rachaeleckles 

Facebook - @rachaelecklesauthor 

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Someone to Have

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Book Blurb (from Amazon):  From USA Today Bestseller Michelle Major comes the swoony, spicy, laugh-out-loud romance that readers are calling "unputdownable."

I’ve spent my life hiding in the quiet corners of the library. It’s safer surrounded by books where the happily-ever-afters are guaranteed. Real life romance? Not so much.

But apparently, I'm tired of my hermit life because I do something spectacularly stupid and agree to get on stage. In front of people. All to catch my longtime crush's attention.

The only problem? I’d rather hug a grizzly bear than speak in front of a crowd.

Enter Eric Anderson. Hockey legend, walking temptation, and the last person I expect to come to my rescue. His solution? Confidence lessons. His methods? Flirting. Touching. Kissing. I’m supposed to practice being bold, and Eric’s all too happy to teach me.

But somewhere between his panty-melting grin and the way he looks at me like I’m the last cupcake in the bakery, I forget that he’s not the one I’m supposed to want. He makes me feel bolder, braver and dangerously close to falling for the wrong guy.

Now I’m standing center stage in more ways than one. And when you’ve spent your whole life in the shadows, stepping into the light is the scariest thing of all.

One-click for small-town steam, opposites-attract sparks, and a grumpy hockey hero who's destined to be your new book boyfriend.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I am in love with the Skylark Series and Michelle Major.  This is book three in the series, but all are standalone as well.  This is one of my favorites, given Eric is a hockey player (I am a big hockey fan) and the whole crazy Maxwell family, but especially Taylor.  

It is Taylor's turn to take the bucket list challenge as part of her book club. As a part of a loud and athletic family, she is the quiet librarian who prefers to be behind a book.  Public speaking is her fear and Eric volunteers to be her confidence coach to help her land a part in the local community play. I really like that Eric was helping with his nephew while his sister is away.  

Absolutely love how the story unfolds.  Michelle has the great ability to develop characters beyond the main two and interweaves them through all her books in the series.  

Everything about Someone to Have had me wanting one more page, one more chapter.  

See my review for Someone to Love and Someone to Tempt

USA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.

Connect with her at her website or come say hi on Instagram (@michellemajorauthor) and Facebook (@MichelleMajorBooks).

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One Last First Date

   ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Book Summary:

I’ve made a pact with my friends to marry the next guy I date. What could possibly go wrong?

After too many failed romances and one close brush with joining a convent (kidding… mostly), I’m ready to believe in love again. That’s why I said yes to the One Last First Datepact with my best friends: the next man I go out with? He’s The One.

Enter Parker Hamilton. Smart, handsome, thoughtful—and a doctor, no less. I’ve vetted him like a pro, and everything checks out. He’s perfect on paper… and soon, perfect in person too.

Then there’s Will Jordan. My annoying, effortlessly charming coworker who seems to be everywhere I turn—taking credit for my ideas, flashing that irresistible grin, and showing up in my daydreams even though he absolutely shouldn’t.

Will’s not part of the plan. Parker is.

But the more I get to know Will, the harder it is to ignore the way he makes me laugh, challenges me, and sees me in a way no one else does.

Now I have to figure out if I’m following the plan… or following my heart.

One Last First Date is a clean, fun, heart-warming friends to lovers rom com for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk, and TV shows like Jane the Virgin. It's a light-hearted, humorous, and fun full-length novel that can be read as a standalone title or as the first book in the Flirting with Forever series.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Super fun book!  Great chemistry between the characters.  One Last First Date is a stand-alone book, but if you are like me, I must read book 2!  

Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.

With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.

When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.

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Before Dorothy

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Book Summary:  Long before Dorothy visits Oz, her aunt, Emily Gale, sets off on her own unforgettable adventure...

Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, yearn to leave the bustle of Chicago for the promise of their own American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city means leaving Emily’s beloved sister, Annie, who was once closer to her than anyone in the world.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

The wide-eyed child isn’t the only thing to disrupt Emily’s world. Drought and devastating dust storms threaten to destroy everything, and her much-loved home becomes a place of uncertainty and danger. When the past catches up with the present and old secrets are exposed, Emily fears she will lose the most cherished thing of all: Dorothy.

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Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Irish Times, and internationally bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. Her most recent novel, The Last Lifeboat, was a Times historical novel of the month, an Audie award winner, and was short-listed for the Irish Book Awards. Her work is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family.

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