Chanel Cleeton's new novel, The House on Biscayne Bay, was a 5-star read for me. Already a fan of this author's previous works, I was intrigued to see that she had written a gothic tale. The House on Biscayne Bay is perfectly done, just the right amount of atmosphere, great character development, and Cleeton's strong historical elements woven throughout.

The House on Biscayne Bay is a well-researched period piece of fiction that I did not want to put down. I highly recommend this novel for Cleeton fans and for those who love a good gothic and/or historical read. This novel would also appeal to book clubs as there is much to discuss and enjoy here. Thank you to BookBrowse, NetGalley, Chanel Cleeton, and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review an e-galley of this novel.

Becoming Madam Secretary grabbed my attention right from the start. The author, Stephanie Dray, has managed to bring the characters to life on the page. Through her thorough research and wonderful reimagining where necessary, Dray has recreated the fascinating life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve as a cabinet secretary, and the amazing cast of historical figures of her time. This reader learned so much from this well-written and engaging novel. Truly a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction, American history, and for the fans of Stephanie Dray.

Thank you to BookBrowse, Stephanie Dray, and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Becoming Madam Secretary.

I had the pleasure of reading this heart-warming true tale of Alfie, a screech owl who as an owlet was rescued and rehabilitated for release back to nature. The author, Carl Safina, writes a very thought-provoking narrative. Woven throughout the story of Alfie, are Safina's philosophical musings. The reader walks away with a very enhanced knowledge of owls, the natural world, and views from other cultures. I'll be thinking about Alfie's story and Carl Safina's thoughts for days to come. This was a pleasure to read, and I would highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy the natural history.

The Gifts by Liz Hyder is historical fiction with a dash of fantasy. The reader is transported to England during the nineteenth century, from countryside to city. Liz Hyder has done a wonderful job of researching this period, giving the reader a strong sense of place through the eyes of the characters and their settings. Within these pages the reader meets four women who are depicted with intelligence and strengths during a time when most would not be acknowledged. The beautiful prose of this unique story is both mysterious and haunting, keeping the reader engaged.

This novel was a pleasure to read with its captivating storytelling. I believe fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and stories of strong female characters would enjoy The Gifts. Book clubs members would find much to discuss with this novel.

I had the pleasure of reading an e-galley of this quirky, yet heartwarming tale and what a delight! Tanner and Louise are such an unlikely pair who end up on a madcap adventure together. As the story unfolds the reader soon finds out all is not what it seems. This is a quick moving mystery tale with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and some nuggets of wisdom thrown in. The overall theme of friendship ties it all together nicely. The character development would make this a great book club read. Truly a pleasurable read!

Exiles is Jane Harper's newest suspenseful mystery featuring federal investigator Aaron Falk. I was immediately drawn into this book right from my first glance at the gorgeous cover art. As we travel to Southern Australia's wine country Jane Harper's evocative landscape seems to come alive. The novel opens with the discovery of a sleeping baby left alone at the annual Food and Wine Festival. The mother has vanished. This story unfolds at a nice pace, allowing the reader to become invested in a wonderful cast of characters. Along the way we are drawn deeper and deeper into the mystery and the secrets held within. This is a story that you'll still be thinking about long after you turn the last page.

Although this is the third novel starring Aaron Falk, enough background story is given so it can easily be read as a stand-alone. A few hints of the previous books may certainly have the reader indulging in Harper's backlist!